Library
The Brown Médiathèque
Due to COVID-19 virus protocols, the library and the Alliance Française de Chicago is partially closed. All items that are currently checked out will be due at your earliest convenience, no fines will be assessed.
Staff Selections
Explore French and Francophone litterature through our specially-made staff selections from our collection!
NEW! Curbside Library Service
Announcing our Curbside Library Service – a new, safe and socially-distanced way for you to “click and pick” from everything the AF Chicago Library has to offer! Simply select your items or tell us your interests so we can pick for you!
Curbside pickup is available every Saturday from 10:00am to 12:00pm.
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
Our library is temporarily closed, but all our items are available for Curbside-Pickup. Click here for more information on this service.
Mon–Tues closed
Wednesday closed
Thursday closed
Friday closed
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for Curbside Service Only
Sunday closed
Checkout
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In-library: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the library will remain closed to in-person visits until further notice.
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Curbside Library Service:
Two ways!
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Visit the library catalog to select items. Email us your name and the titles and call numbers. Et Voilà!
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Let us pick! Email us with your interests and we will carefully curate a selection just for you.
Email the library to order: library@af-chicago.org. Please make your selections by 12:00pm on the Wednesday before curbside pickup.
Curbside service will be every Saturday from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the Alliance Française de Chicago, 810 N Dearborn Street.
Books should be returned or renewed after 60 days.
Return Bin
There is always a return bin available, between entryway double doors, 810 Dearborn entrance. It is always available for item returns any time the AFC is open. There is also a (quarantined) returns bin in the library. All items are subject to minimum 10 day quarantine.
Safety:
There are protective plastic barriers, mandatory masks, social distancing, and returns are all contactless. They will show up on your account no later than one month post-return.
Overdues / Renewals / Fines
Currently checked out items are due at your earliest convenience. Click & Pick items must be returned or renewed after 60 days. All late fees will be waived.
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.
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.
Loan guidelines
All items can now be checked out for 60 days!
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.
