We love our members! In fact, we love them so much that we want you to get to know them and share in our community. Every month, the French Library will introduce you to a member via our blog. This month we are featuring Cecil Adderley, a member of our Center and oenophile. Read on to learn more about Cecil...


Interested in being featured? Let us know! Interested in being a member and all the fun perks that come with membership? We would love to have you! Contact Membership Manager Natalie Collet at or call 617-912-0400.

"I love anything related to food and wine because I love to eat! I come to about 1-2 member events a year and remember feeling very welcome at the first new member event I came to. I like to see the gallery exhibits; it feels like you are in a larger museum. "

               





What is your connection to the French language and/or francophone culture?

I really enjoy travelling and am especially interested in French wine and culture. A little over a year ago I took a wine tour to the Loire Valley and last year went to the Chateauneuf du pape wine domain.

Why did you decide to become a member of the French Library?

I had met Youth Programs Manager Pierre-Antoine back when I was in Worcester and then had a colleague at Berklee College, Anne Squire, talk about the French Library. At first I was nervous about taking French classes here and started by checking out materials in the library. I also took advantage of TV5Monde and their programming. I watch the news daily and then find the stories online. I also like watching a French cooking show and the hit from Marseille Plus belle la vie. A little over a year ago I started taking classes and have had excellent teachers who have taught me so much. Farida and her patience with me are great! When I can relax with her, we have great conversations and it's in these moments I know I can excel.

How long have you been a member here?

I've been a member here since 2016.

What do you like about being a member at the Center?  Do you have any favorite classes or events that you have participated in?

I love anything related to food and wine because I love to eat! I come to about 1-2 member events a year and remember feeling very welcome at the first new member event I came to. I like to see the gallery exhibits; it feels like you are in a larger museum.

If you could travel to any francophone country, what would it be and why?

I'd love to continue going back to France but also visit some of the African French-speaking countries, such as the Cote d'Ivoire and Cameroon. I'd also really like to visit Belgium. Each country gives you a different perspective.

Natalie Collet

Former Membership Manager

From the Midwest, Natalie is a Francophile at heart. Her interest in French started when studying ballet and​ the language and culture entranced her through her student years.​ She became involved with the - Alliance - in the suburbs of Chicago after she spent an unforgettable year teaching English in a French high school near Bordeaux. She is happy to join the team in Boston and work with the members to provide them with unique opportunities​, ​quality programming​, and a community through French!

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Theater Club in January

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Come join us for the new Theater Club at the French Library, a place to read, watch, discuss and recite contemporary and classic French plays with fellow enthusiasts.

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Thursday, January 15, 2026

In Matisse at War, acclaimed author Christopher C. Gorham uncovers the untold story of the Matisse family’s courage and the artist’s daring creative reinvention during the Nazi Occupation. An evening of art, intrigue, and resilience you won’t want to miss.

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