Cliquez ici pour la version française
The American Library of Montpellier is a branch of the American Library in Paris.
Since 1954, the American Library has been the meeting point for thousands of students
and other Montpellier residents who have an interest in American civilization and
literature. The American Library has grown considerably since its establishment in
Montpellier and now has about one thousand members in good standing.
As an American institution in the capital city of the Languedoc-Roussillon region of
southern France, the Library serves patrons of all kinds--bilingual families seeking
current reading materials for their children, businesses in need of reference works,
students studying for exams, scholars conducting research, and patrons simply looking for
a place to find a good book or to meet friends.
The Library also maintains close relations with civic groups and institutions of all
kinds: the United States Consulate General in Marseille, the City of Montpellier, the
Sister Cities Committee of Louisville, Kentucky, the many schools and universities located
in Montpellier and, in particular, the University Paul
Valéry of Montpellier (humanities) which generously houses the Library in a
convenient center city location and provides vital support.
As the demands of Library patrons have grown over the decades, so have the Library's
resources.
THE COLLECTION
The works in the Library's 25,000-volume book collection have been carefully
chosen to support the Library's continuing role as an American cultural center. The
collection is composed primarily of works by American and other English-language authors,
and features significant holdings in American history, literary criticism and poetry. The
library also offers the best of classic and contemporary fiction and an extensive
collection of reference materials.
There is also a special children's room. Bilingual families and American families
temporarily based in Montpellier appreciate this facility which introduces children to an
American-style library and teaches them how to look for, check out and use books.
The Library possesses an extensive collection of about seventy-five periodicals covering a wide variety of subjects. Members may
borrow magazines in addition to books.
The Library also has a growing selection of audio-visual materials. Nearly one thousand
cassette tapes featuring music, poetry, novels, short stories, speeches, interviews,
stories and songs for children.
Members may use the library's microcomputer facilities. CD-ROM's are
available for consultation at the library (multimedia encyclopedias, cinema guides,
American history, literature and civilization).
Every year, the American Library, in association with the main library in Paris, provides
books and compiles articles for the University of Montpellier's CAPES and Agrégation
programs in English.
OTHER LIBRARY SERVICES
The "Friends of the American Library" Association was
created in 1980 with the goal of developing the resources of the Library. Annual dues are
spent on the purchase of books, magazine subscriptions, cassettes and reference materials.
The "Friends" have also financed the purchase of equipment such as photocopiers
and computers. Members' requests are always welcome and are honored whenever possible.
Members of the Association (currently 200) derive satisfaction from knowing that they are
helping to keep the Library an up-to-date cultural institution.
STAFF
The Library's staff is trained to meet the standards of this demanding
profession and is available to provide reference and research guidance.
VOLUNTEERS
It would be impossible to provide the level of service that the Library offers
without its team of dedicated volunteers, which staffs the information desk and helps with
secretarial duties and special events.
American Library 12-month membership cards are available at the following
rates:
Children/Students (2 Books + 2 Magazines) 100 F
Individuals (2 Books + 2 Magazines) 150 F
Family (10 Books maximum) 350
Membership privileges include
