American Library in Paris – closed for major renovations

The famous American Library in Paris is undergoing a major renovation. The extensive project started on May 15th is a result of several years of planning, assessing visitor and institutional needs through member surveys, focus groups, staff and trustee retreats alongside architectural and structural analysis. The final design which Lia Kiladis, the principal architect, and her team have put into motion, aims to provide an essential library service, addressing the growing demand for versatile spaces that can serve a variety of needs, including quiet study, research, conversation, and education, and technological updates to the online collection. The new library will feature a number of architectural updates, a new façade and window treatment, and a repositioned entrance with enhanced digital and physical security will be installed on the exterior. Inside, positioned at the front of the Library, will be a reconfigured “commons” in with both lounges and study areas; a refurnished principal reading room, adaptable to evening programming. a dramatic open stairway and elevator will lead to the lower level, a second reading room with small study rooms adjacent to reconfigured library stacks. During the renovation the libraries books will be boxed and stored elsewhere for three months. If you require resources during the closure period, the libraries online resources — the virtual library — will continue to be available. In addition to this, adult and children’s events will continue to run on a reduced schedule at off-site locations. The library is unable to receive book donations and book sales are discontinued due to space restrictions. The library will be closed from May 15 and is scheduled to re-open by August 23. For more information, to support the project, or become a member renovation visit the website.