Health and Safety

The Brown Library

Mediathéque

Welcome to the largest private french-language library in the midwest

Discover more than 18,000 French and Francophone books, films, magazines, archival materials, and more for all ages.

Open to the public, the library welcomes everyone to browse on-site. In addition, AFC members can borrow materials and access Culturethèque, our digital library.

Browse the Catalog Become a member Make a gift

plan your visit

Library Hours

Tuesday-Thursday: 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Location

2nd Floor, 810 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

Parking

Discounted parking is available at Legacy Parking on 854 N Clark St.
$9.99 for up to 12 hours A QR code is available at reception

How to find items in our library

looking for your next (or first-ever!) French book, magazine, or movie? Here are a few different ways to find items in our library:

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Experience the Collection

Open to the public, the Brown Library welcomes everyone to browse, consult, and read materials from our collection on-site.
Our staff can help you locate specific titles, explore a subject, or discover an unexpected gem.
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Find a Title Before Your Visit

Visit our virtual library catalog to check availability and select materials before your visit.
AFC members can reserve items by emailing the title and call number to [email protected]
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Get Personalized Recommendations

Not sure what to choose? Tell us about your interests and level of French here and we will curate a personalized list for you.
This complimentary service is available to Alliance Française de Chicago members only.

literary events

Participate in thoughtfully curated literary events. From author talks and discussions to poetry readings, film, and workshops. All designed to deepen your engagement with Francophone culture and enrich your French through immersion.

Guillaume Gallienne at AFC 2026

Learn more »
Cinémanuscrit
Cinémanuscrit is an exploration of cinematic adaptions of Francophone literature featuring films from the four …
Learn more »
Young Kids Story Hour
Join us at the Brown Library for a playful French-language story hour designed especially for babies, …
Learn more »
Lectures and Workshops
Join leading artists, scholars, and cultural voices for thoughtfully curated lectures and hands-on workshops …
Learn more »

Culturethèque

Culturethèque is the Institut français’s digital library accessible to the Alliance Française de Chicago members.
It provides online access to thousands of items such as French-language books, magazines, newspapers, music, videos, and other cultural resources.
Access Culturethèque

Recommended by our librarians

Looking for recommendations from our Library staff? Take a look at these great selections from around the Francophone world!

Explore Our Collections

FAQ

Members can sign up for a library account on-site at our lending desk or by emailing us at [email protected].

How to use Culturethèque:

  • Set up your account here, (at s’inscrire) or contact us for help!
  • Validate your account by clicking the confirmation link sent to your email.

Prefer not to come into the library? No worries! We offer Curbside Service every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at our entrance, located at 810 N. Dearborn St.

Simply email us with your selections by 12:00 p.m. on the Wednesday before Curbside Service. À bientôt !

You can return items to the Library or leave them with the first floor receptionist.

All items can now be checked out for 30 days and renewed twice.

If you need to renew an item, please email us or call (312) 337-5473 and provide your name and the selections you’d like to renew.

GOT BOOKS?

The Brown Library is not currently accepting book donations. Limited exceptions may be made for rare or special items and materials for children and young adults.

All potential donations require advanced approval. Contact [email protected] before bringing materials to the Alliance.

Unnaproved drop-offs cannot be accepted.

need help?

Not sure where to begin? Our library team will be happy to help you find your next French-Language treasure.

Email: [email protected]

ARCHIVAL INQUIRIES
For archival inquiries, please contact our Library Director, Renée Saito, at [email protected].