Library
The Brown Médiathèque
Overview
Welcome to the Midwest’s largest private library of French language cultural media. Enjoy a dynamic collection of items for every age, language level, and interest.
Join us for French conversation groups, the book club, author talks, literary events — and much more. Select from a collection of over 18,000 items for all ages and interests. Or sign up for Culturethèque, our free online library — an Alliance Française member benefit!
Hours
Mon – Thu 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (closed 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. for lunch)
Friday closed
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sunday closed
Our collection
- • Over 18,000 multimedia items
- • Over 1,500 DVDs
- • Children’s books, magazines, bandes dessinées and films
- • Current magazines
- • Music, audio books and audio magazines
- • A Reference collection of dictionaries and encyclopedias
- • French Learning Resources for students and teachers
- • Film script of William Le Baron Jenney, Boston, Paris
Member account access
You are welcome to enjoy materials on-site. Alliance Française members have check out privileges. Check our online catalog or visit us in the médiathèque to consult the media catalog.
Loan guidelines
Books
Borrow up to five Books for one month. Renew them twice for a combined total of up to three months. Late fee: 25 cents per day.
DVDs
Borrow up to five DVDs for eight days. Renew them twice for a combined total of up to 24 days. Late fee: 2 dollars per day.
Other Items
Borrow up to ten of any other media 16 days. Renew items twice for a combined total of up to 48 days. Late fee: 25 cents per day.
Renewals
Please email library@af-chicago.org or call (312) 337-5473 and provide your first and last name.
Returns
You may return items to the library or leave them with the first floor receptionists.
Other services
- Computer with free Internet access
- Equipment for on-site listening & viewing
For inquiries, please call (312) 337-5473 or email library@af-chicago.org