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.
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
*Temporary phased re-opening hours
Mon–Tues closed
Wednesday 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thursday closed
Friday closed
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sunday closed
Checkout
- In-Library: Visit the Library during library open hours. Select items in-person for immediate checkout.
- Custom Order: Go to the online catalog, select desired items, email the information to rsaito@af-chicago.org. Provide title, description, spine label, barcode #s–as much information as possible. We will prepare a package of items, marked with your name, and make it available inside the library. We select from items that are available on the shelves. We will confirm your order. 7 DAYS MIN NOTICE.
- Curbside Delivery: Same as above, delivered curbside to your car, or to you. On special request. Details to be worked out together.
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
No currently checked out items are due before Nov. 2. It is possible, but it is not necessary, to renew your current items. 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
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.