First under the auspices of the American Library Association, the American Library in Paris was established in 1920. It was created with a core collection of books, as well as some magazines and periodicals, donated by American libraries to the military personnel serving the Allied Forces during WWI. It still plays a central role in Paris' expat life today. It is the city's pre-eminent center where prominent authors who write in English give talks. It's estimated that on average 1,745 people visit the library weekly. You can visit as a member or non-member though only members are allowed to check out books from the large English language book collection.