John & Francine Haskell Library

The French Institute Alliance Française was formed in 1971 with the merger of two of New York’s oldest and most distinguished francophile institutions: the French Institute, established in 1911, and the Alliance Française, founded in 1898.

The Library was inherited from the French Institute and for nearly a century has presented to the francophone and francophile communities of New York City a broad view of French culture and civilization.

The Library began as a simple reading room with periodicals, sales catalogues and reference books on French art and was later expanded to include a broad selection of materials on history, literature, civilization, and social sciences.

In 1998, thanks to the generous support of individuals and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Library was completely renovated by the acclaimed architect Michael Graves, recipient of the 1999 National Medal of the Arts and the 2000 Gold Medal of the American Institute of Architects.

The Library specializes in materials on contemporary France and plays a key role in supporting and promoting cultural and pedagogical activities, as well as providing its members with a window on contemporary France. Visitors may consult materials onsite and our members may borrow materials. The Library catalog may be consulted via the internet.

In addition to an excellent collection of over 30,000 books, the bright and sophisticated new space now houses a state-of-the-art médiathèque , with a 1,500-title video and DVD collection, CD-ROMs, contemporary and classical music, as well as over 100 magazines and newspapers that cover all areas of contemporary French culture.

The Dillon Family Centre de Ressources provides users with a wide range of informational services. The Jacques and Alexandre Leviant Centre d’Auto-Apprentissage provides a valuable adjunct to the teaching activities of the FIAF Language Center. Young readers can delight in the materials & services to be found in the John & Francine Haskell Espace Jeunesse.

We look forward to meeting the informational and recreational needs of our members well into the 21st century.  If you are interested in learning about France for your personal, professional, recreational or educational needs, let the Library be your guide to this fascinating culture.