While schools and libraries are closed, online collections are helping to fill the gaps in educational media. Read on for information regarding these special circumstances!

1. Culturethèque

L’Institut français is offering free access to Culturethèque through May 30th for anyone who signs up by April 15th using this link: https://www.culturetheque.com/EXPLOITATION/default/offre-speciale.aspx

This online resource offers books, audio materials, and periodicals in French. Be sure to check out their collection A la maison, pour tous, toujours plus de ressources en accès libre with resources from L'Opéra de Paris, La Cinémathèque Française, la Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Claude Ponti, and Educ’Arte.

2. Audible

Audible is making their discovery collection available during this time. Their landing page says, “For as long as schools are closed, we're open. Starting today, kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids.”

All of these audible stories are free for streaming via desktops, laptops, phones and/or tablets. Find their French-language collection here, which includes favorites like Les Schtroumpfs, La Petite Sirène, and La Course de Tuques for children and classics from Jules Verne and Alexandre Dumas for older readers!

3. Scribd

Scribd is “the world’s largest digital library” and they are currently offering an extended 30 day trial period. This link will provide open access to their entire collection of magazines, books, audiobooks, and documents. You can find their entire Arts & Language collection here.

Scribd is also available in app form via the App Store, Google Play, or Kindlefire.

4. National Emergency Library

The National Emergency library has been created by The Internet Archive with over a million books donated from libraries to worldwide readers, the full digitized collections from Phillips Academy Andover and Marygrove College, and much of Trent University’s collections. Led by Tom Blake of Boston Public Library, this collection focuses on books published in the 20th century. The National Emergency Library will be open without waitlists until June 30, or the end of the US national emergency, whichever is later.

Find their French-language collection here.

5. The French Library!

Did you know that the Center has been curating online resources, free for your use? During this COVID-19 closure, we’re stepping up our game to bring you new resources and recommended reading from our full list of e-libraries.

Keep an eye on our blog and, specifically, our “online resources” tag.

We hope you’re finding plenty of materials to be enjoyed during this unusual time - bonne lecture !

Ingrid began her passion for French through the immersion program in Milton, MA, and has followed it around France and the world. She took a break from this first love to pursue a B.A. in English with a minor in Irish Studies at Boston College and a Masters of Library and Information Sciences at Simmons College. She is thrilled to meld her excitement for libraries and French language and culture in her position at the Center!

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