As everyone must know, you don’t need to speak French to visit the French Library and enjoy a lot of what we offer. It’s becoming even more true with the launch of our collection of books in English.
Over time, we have been expanding and refreshing the French book collection with regular orders throughout the year. We strive to build an eclectic collection for all our readers and their various tastes, but one thing has been missing. Some visitors are hesitant to enter the largest private library of French books in the country. And it makes sense. Reading in a foreign language is one of the toughest challenges even when you are nearing a C1 level. However, we are eager to share Francophone culture as much as possible, and our new collection now fills a gap.
- February 24: The Years, by Annie Ernaux (postponed to March 17)
- April 21: The Belly of Paris by Émile Zola
- June 2: Salvation Army, by Abdellah Taïa
Over time, we have been expanding and refreshing the French book collection with regular orders throughout the year. We strive to build an eclectic collection for all our readers and their various tastes, but one thing has been missing. Some visitors are hesitant to enter the largest private library of French books in the country. And it makes sense. Reading in a foreign language is one of the toughest challenges even when you are nearing a C1 level. However, we are eager to share Francophone culture as much as possible, and our new collection now fills a gap.
Over 100 new books... in English!
Starting this month, we are adding almost 100 new books in English to our collection. All of them are French works translated in English, which is the criteria we set for ourselves. We want to stay true to our identity while giving access to our content to Francophiles who might not – yet! – be Francophones. In this new collection, you will mostly find fiction with a mix of classics (Zola, Colette, Hugo...) and contemporary literature (Annie Ernaux, Edouard Louis, Virginie Despentes...). In addition, we will offer graphic novels and nonfiction books on French history, social sciences, cooking, and even a magnificent, large-format book on the construction of the Eiffel Tower.A new book club for English readers
Just like any other book in the French Library, you will be able to borrow them. You can browse our collection by clicking here. In the future, we are planning to expand this section and create a new community around it. That is why we are also launching a book club in English, hosted by Emily, our Administrative Assistant & Social Media Coordinator. If you are curious about French classics, or today’s Francophone literary landscape, it’s time to join us around this new project!- February 24: The Years, by Annie Ernaux (postponed to March 17)
- April 21: The Belly of Paris by Émile Zola
- June 2: Salvation Army, by Abdellah Taïa
Benoit Landon
Librarian
After studying journalism in France, Benoit began his career in Paris where he lived and worked for over a decade. In 2018, he crossed the Atlantic for a research project on a typewriter he bought at a flea market. He ended up in Hartford, Connecticut, where he met his wife by accident. Many administrative forms later, he settled in Greater Boston. As an avid reader, Benoit is delighted to be surrounded by books and to stay in touch with the French culture he loves. Come say hello at the circulation desk!
Excellent idea!!! Classic and contemporary French books in English translation for the Library. I am so excited. I look forward to participating in the Book Club as well. Félicitations!