Dear friends,
As 2025 comes to a close, the team and I find ourselves filled with gratitude—and with a deep sense of joy—for what this year has meant for the French Library and for all of us who call it home.
Together, we celebrated a remarkable milestone: our 80th anniversary. Eighty years of sharing language, culture, and friendship between France and the United States. Eighty years of opening minds, building community, and welcoming generations of learners, readers, artists, families, and dreamers through our doors. It was more than an anniversary—it was a celebration of you, and of everything this community has made possible.
And as the year ended, many of you joined us for one of the most joyful evenings we can remember: our members’ holiday party, where voices young and old filled the Library with laughter and music during our karaoke through the decades. From French classics to modern hits, it was a perfect reflection of what the French Library is all about: culture, reflection, fun, connection, and the simple happiness of being together. We all ended the night with a fitting rendition of Edith Piaf’s “Non, je ne regrette rien.” There was, indeed, no regret about this bold, packed, past year!
Moments like these remind us that the French Library is not just a place you visit—it is a place you belong.
Throughout this year, because of your support, we have been able to:
- welcome hundreds of children who are becoming stronger readers, more confident learners, and curious explorers of new worlds through French and Francophone stories,
- accompany teens who are finding their voices, gaining perspective, and preparing for success in higher education,
- engage adults who rediscover the joy of learning, conversation, and cultural exploration,
- bring to Boston an extraordinary array of films, authors, scholars, concerts, exhibitions, gastronomy and wine experiences,
- and preserve and share one of the largest private French-language collections in the United States.
In a world that feels increasingly fast, digital, and uncertain, the French Library has continued to be what so many of you tell us you cherish most: a destination, an oasis (direct quote from members!)—where people meet face to face, where ideas are exchanged, where stories are told, where curiosity is nurtured, and where what makes us human is reinforced every day.
We do not simply teach a language.
We teach perspective.
We share culture.
We build empathy.
We strengthen literacy.
And we carry forward the values France has offered the world—liberty, culture, human dignity, and the belief that learning can transform lives—while honoring the deep and enduring friendship between France and the United States.
None of this happens without you.
As we look ahead to 2026, our hearts are full of hope and excitement, as we plan on bringing you more of what you enjoy, and we invite you to continue to grow together as a community.
As you consider your end-of-year giving, we encourage you to make a 100% tax-deductible gift to the French Library. Your contribution directly supports our programs, our collections, our operations, and the vibrant cultural life that fills this building every day. And from now through December 31, you have a chance to Double Your Impact. Our Board of trustees Chair, Steven Galante is matching every year-end donation dollar for dollar, up to $5,000. That means your gift today goes twice as far in supporting the French Library’s programs, community, and future. As a thank-you, donors who give $250 or more will receive a complimentary copy of The French Library in Boston by Steven Galante.
Thank you for an amazing, rich, and full year with us.
Thank you for believing in culture, in education, and in the power of human connection.
We cannot wait to continue this journey with you in 2026.
Avec toute notre gratitude,
As 2025 comes to a close, the team and I find ourselves filled with gratitude—and with a deep sense of joy—for what this year has meant for the French Library and for all of us who call it home.
Together, we celebrated a remarkable milestone: our 80th anniversary. Eighty years of sharing language, culture, and friendship between France and the United States. Eighty years of opening minds, building community, and welcoming generations of learners, readers, artists, families, and dreamers through our doors. It was more than an anniversary—it was a celebration of you, and of everything this community has made possible.
And as the year ended, many of you joined us for one of the most joyful evenings we can remember: our members’ holiday party, where voices young and old filled the Library with laughter and music during our karaoke through the decades. From French classics to modern hits, it was a perfect reflection of what the French Library is all about: culture, reflection, fun, connection, and the simple happiness of being together. We all ended the night with a fitting rendition of Edith Piaf’s “Non, je ne regrette rien.” There was, indeed, no regret about this bold, packed, past year!
Moments like these remind us that the French Library is not just a place you visit—it is a place you belong.
Throughout this year, because of your support, we have been able to:
- welcome hundreds of children who are becoming stronger readers, more confident learners, and curious explorers of new worlds through French and Francophone stories,
- accompany teens who are finding their voices, gaining perspective, and preparing for success in higher education,
- engage adults who rediscover the joy of learning, conversation, and cultural exploration,
- bring to Boston an extraordinary array of films, authors, scholars, concerts, exhibitions, gastronomy and wine experiences,
- and preserve and share one of the largest private French-language collections in the United States.
In a world that feels increasingly fast, digital, and uncertain, the French Library has continued to be what so many of you tell us you cherish most: a destination, an oasis (direct quote from members!)—where people meet face to face, where ideas are exchanged, where stories are told, where curiosity is nurtured, and where what makes us human is reinforced every day.
We do not simply teach a language.
We teach perspective.
We share culture.
We build empathy.
We strengthen literacy.
And we carry forward the values France has offered the world—liberty, culture, human dignity, and the belief that learning can transform lives—while honoring the deep and enduring friendship between France and the United States.
None of this happens without you.
As we look ahead to 2026, our hearts are full of hope and excitement, as we plan on bringing you more of what you enjoy, and we invite you to continue to grow together as a community.
As you consider your end-of-year giving, we encourage you to make a 100% tax-deductible gift to the French Library. Your contribution directly supports our programs, our collections, our operations, and the vibrant cultural life that fills this building every day. And from now through December 31, you have a chance to Double Your Impact. Our Board of trustees Chair, Steven Galante is matching every year-end donation dollar for dollar, up to $5,000. That means your gift today goes twice as far in supporting the French Library’s programs, community, and future. As a thank-you, donors who give $250 or more will receive a complimentary copy of The French Library in Boston by Steven Galante.
Thank you for an amazing, rich, and full year with us.
Thank you for believing in culture, in education, and in the power of human connection.
We cannot wait to continue this journey with you in 2026.
Avec toute notre gratitude,
Barbara Bouquegneau
President and Executive Director
Barbara has worked at the French Library for more than 26 years. Barbara has represented the FL and Alliance Française of Boston throughout the years and was vice-president of the Federation of Alliances Françaises USA. She is committed to pursuing the extraordinary mission of the French Library and believes that the Francophone world is worth exploring in all its different cultures.
