Celebrate Stories: A Family Day of Books, Crafts & Film

Thursday, June 19, 2025 From 1:00 PM To 4:00 PM Add to Calendar 2025-06-19 13:00:00 2025-06-19 16:00:00 Celebrate Stories: A Family Day of Books, Crafts & Film Join us for an afternoon of French story time, crafts, and community fun for all ages. Step into the untamed American West with Calamity, a beautifully animated tale inspired by the childhood of legendary Calamity Jane. French Library, 53 Marlborough Street, Boston, MA, United States America/New_York

At French Library

In honor of Juneteenth, the French Library invites families to an afternoon celebrating storytelling in all its forms — through books, film, crafts, and community. This open house welcomes children and adults alike to discover the richness of French and Francophone culture.

Events Schedule:

1:00 – 1:30 PM
L’Heure du Conte – French Story Time
Enjoy a selection of magical French-language picture books, perfect for children ages 3 to 6.
Free. No registration required. An adult must accompany each child.

1:00 – 4:00 PM Crafts Corner Children are invited to enjoy fun and creative craft activities, made possible by our sponsor OMY.

Used Book Sale and Raffle Browse a selection of gently loved books for all ages and take part in our raffle. All proceeds from the raffle will support the Library’s youth collection by helping us acquire new titles by Francophone authors.

2:00 – 3:30 PM Family Film Screening: Calamity by Rémi Chayé

Winner of the Cristal Award for Best Feature at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, Calamity offers a bold, beautifully imagined origin story of one of America’s most singular legends: Calamity Jane.

Set in 1863, the film follows 12-year-old Martha Jane Cannary on a journey across the American West. When her father is injured, she takes charge of the family wagon—cutting her hair, wearing pants, and claiming a freedom usually reserved for men. Accused of theft and cast out, she sets off alone in search of justice and identity in a world being reshaped.

Directed by Rémi Chayé (Long Way North), this painterly, award-winning animated film celebrates courage, individuality, and resilience—perfect for young viewers and adults alike.

Watch the trailer

Movie in French with English subtitles.

Free popcorn and lemonade will be served, and all families are welcome!

Free Family Movie

Raffle ticket

$5/$10/$20

About Rémi Chayé

Rémi Chayé is a French director and animator renowned for his distinctive visual storytelling and commitment to crafting empowering narratives centered on young female protagonists.
Born in 1968 in Poitiers, France, Chayé began his career as an illustrator before discovering animation. He made his directorial debut with Long Way North (Tout en haut du monde) in 2015, an adventure film that follows a young Russian aristocrat's journey to the North Pole. The film was celebrated for its minimalist, painterly style and won the Audience Award at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival.
Chayé's films are characterized by their vibrant color palettes, absence of outlines, and strong, independent heroines challenging societal norms. His work continues to inspire audiences with stories that celebrate courage, individuality, and the breaking of traditional boundaries.

Our Partners

This event is co-presented with the Institut Francais Cinéma, OMY and Bayard & Milan

Upcoming Events

See All Upcoming Events

Kids & Families

L'Heure du Conte

French story time!

Saturday, May 9, 2026

We invite parents and children to gather in the children's room of our library for a magical story time in French!

Talks & Discussions

The Monuments of Paris: Rewriting Family History

An Author Talk with Violaine Huisman

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Join us for an evening with acclaimed author Violaine Huisman as she presents her new novel, The Monuments of Paris, a sweeping exploration of family, memory, and a little-known chapter of French history during the Second World War.

Talks & Discussions

Virtual Event: Ann Scott in Conversation

Presented in partnership with Harvard Bookstore

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Join us off-site at Harvard Book Store for a conversation with French author Ann Scott, winner of the 2023 Prix Renaudot, for the release of her cult novel Superstars.

See All