French Library

? Time is running out to secure your spot at our 2024 #Beaujolais & Beyond evening in the beautiful setting of the French Library! ?? ?? Join us for a joyful evening to celebrate the heritage and vibrancy of this year’s #BeaujolaisNouveau, along with other exceptional, lesser-known French wines! ?? Come mingle with fellow francophiles as you enjoy these wines, perfectly paired with a curated selection of cheeses, charcuterie, and delightful French bites from La Voile Restaurant. ?? Thursday, November 21, 2024 ?? 6:30 PM - 9 PM EST ?? French Library, 53 Marlborough St, Boston, MA 02116 ??? Get your tickets now at: https://lnkd.in/dMkgSwpb This event is made possible thanks to the support of USAFrance Financials. #FACCNE Members enjoy discounted prices > Become a Member now at https://lnkd.in/d4TgJBv5 and immediately save $15 on your ticket(s)! Ludivine Wolczik, Monique Clark, Maud Albrieux-Hollaender, Zoe Grondin, Barbara Bouquegneau - Patrick Bian - Supply Chain - Philippe Latapie - Karen Pevenstein - Beatrice THOUVENY - Alain Eudaric - Gigi Shafai, Pharm.D. - Pascal Descargues, PhD - Quintessential Jon Hobbs

Learn more about our 2022 renovation in this fun, Wes Anderson-inspired YouTube video! In this fast-paced short, you’ll get drone shots of our beautiful Back Bay brownstone, before-and-after photos, and hear about some of the challenges we faced—like transporting our grand staircase’s frame all the way from Florida to Boston or making our building fully accessible despite it being a combination of two structures! We’re thrilled with how the renovation has brought new life to the library. The updated shelves now beautifully display our collection, and the redesigned community areas offer a welcoming space for members to connect and engage in cultural activities. From improving accessibility to blending the unique features of two buildings, the space now feels more open, functional, and ready for the future! This renovation means so much to us—it’s not just about the space; it’s about our ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing the French language and culture. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. Our books now have a beautiful new home! Check out the full video of the renovation process and the amazing results here: https://lnkd.in/eJneV8Bg? A special thanks to Matthew Dickey from the Boston Preservation Alliance for producing this fun and wonderful video! We appreciate your amazing videography and attention to detail regarding our favorite parts of our building. Un grand merci ! #Renovation #FrenchLibrary #CommunitySpace #CulturalPreservation #BookLovers?

We're excited to spotlight Bruna Franco, our Marketing & Membership Manager, who is now working remotely from Austin, TX! Bruna's passion for French culture began long before she joined our team. After spending a year in France, she realized there was still so much more to explore. Initially a member at the French Library, she immersed herself in the language and culture, and now she ensures that our members have the enriching experiences she once enjoyed. A native Portuguese speaker, Bruna decided at a young age that she wanted to be multilingual, making her role at the French Library a dream come true. Bruna continues to contribute her global perspective and love for all things French to our community every day. Congratulations on the move to Austin, Bruna! We’re delighted to have you on the team, regardless of distance! #MeetTheTeam #MarketingAndMembership #Francophile #GlobalCommunity #MerciBruna?

On October 28th, we proudly attended the Boston Preservation Alliance Annual Achievement Award ceremony, celebrating the remarkable renovation of our historic home at 53 Marlborough Street. The Boston Preservation Alliance enhances the quality of Boston’s architectural heritage. By fostering advocacy and education, they unite individuals and organizations to shape the future of the city's historic buildings, landscapes, and communities. Our renovation integrates the historic building with the adjacent 300 Berkeley, enhancing ADA accessibility while preserving its architectural charm. The restored grand staircase stands as a testament to our team’s dedication, alongside thoughtful updates like a new elevator and motion sensor lights. Our team is thrilled with the outcome of the renovation, and we appreciate the BPA’s thoughtful recognition. As Alison Frazee from the Boston Preservation Alliance noted, “Old buildings can continue to serve their communities for generations to come.” Huge thanks to our architects at Stern McCafferty and J.L. Dunn & Company for their hard work! ?? From left to right: Tim White, J.L. Dunn & Company Steven Galante, French Library? Barbara Bouquegneau, French Library? David Stern, Stern McCafferty Architects Alex Kimmelmann, J.L. Dunn? Chris Taylor, CjT Architects? Liam White, J.L. Dunn #Preservation #FrenchLibrary #BostonHeritage #Architecture?

The French Library was delighted to host an incredible lineup of French authors for our Fall into Books event! This annual celebration of literature is made possible by our long-standing collaboration with Villa Albertine, the French Institute for Culture and Education and the BOSTON BOOK FESTIVAL INC, and we couldn’t be prouder to offer our community such a vibrant cultural experience. This year was especially exciting as we welcomed a record number of French and American authors, showcasing a range of voices, genres, and perspectives. Thank you to the wonderful authors who participated: Victor Dixen & Kass Morgan, éric-Emmanuel Schmitt, Colombe Schneck, Marc Levy, and Mohamed Amer Meziane. It was an honor to have the Ambassador of France to the US Laurent Bili in attendance. Consulate General of France in Boston Embassy of France in the United States? First Lutheran Church of Boston Institut fran?ais

We cannot wait to attend! It will be an exciting performance. Join us on November 6 for a preview and panel discussion exploring "La Femme à qui rien n’arrive"! At this special preview event, moderated by Deborah Hahn, Léonore Chaix will recite excerpts from the play and share insights into her creative process. Director Anne Le Guernec will also join the panel discussion, providing a unique opportunity to explore the collaboration between the performer and director in bringing this remarkable production to life. Thank you to The French Theater Project, David Miller, and Morgan Parpan for bringing French theater to Boston! We hope to see you there: https://lnkd.in/eXGYDy4U

Cognac is known for its high-quality, double-distilled brandy, produced exclusively in the Cognac region of France! In this special edition of the Gastronomy and Wine Program, join us to explore the rich history of the Cognac region, famous for its brandy, the quality of grapes and winemaking traditions, as it serves as a vital part of the broader narrative of French wine culture. Come experience the broad range of flavors, taste the textures, and enjoy samples of the oldest family-owned estate dating back to 1270. This event will be led by Duncan Reiss, a seasoned Spirit Specialist at Vineyard Road, a prominent Massachusetts importer and distributor of fine wines worldwide. Duncan is passionate about cultivating a spirit culture by seeking out top-quality, boutique producers from around the globe. Through his discovery of small-scale, artisanal producers, he has captured the distinct and authentic character of those who work in harmony with the land to create memorable Cognac flavors! ? Duncan will be showcasing three distinct Cognacs, highlighting an array of tastes, distilling, and aging methods. Join us Tuesday, October 29, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM! https://lnkd.in/earwxN5c?

Have you been to the French Library for an event? We have a special occasion for Francophiles, foodies, bookworms, history buffs, or French learners!?? Notably, we’re looking forward to a unique evening on October 22, where the legacy of Montesquieu and fine Bordeaux wines come together in a celebration of French history and culture! Begin the evening with an engaging talk by Isabelle Slotine, who will explore how Montesquieu's ideas, especially from L'Esprit des Lois, traveled across the Atlantic and influenced the Founding Fathers. Learn how his work inspired key figures like James Madison and played a role in shaping the U.S. Constitution. Afterward, enjoy a curated tasting of four exceptional Bordeaux wines, including both red and white versions of Graves du Chateau de La Brède, produced on Montesquieu’s historic estate, and Pessac-Léognan Chateau Ferran, known for its refined complexity and signature minerality. Whether you're passionate about history, wine, or both, this is an evening not to miss! You can explore more of our other upcoming events here: https://lnkd.in/eNrhwKeH? Some upcoming events include: ???? French Cooking Workshop with chef Cecile Penot Dietrich (October 15) – Learn to make petits flans aux légumes and tartelettes à la tomate! ?? Cognac Wine Seminar (October 29) – Explore the unique tastes of French cognac with an expert sommelier.? ?? Don’t miss out on the Halloween Apéro on October 30th—costumes welcome!?

We are proud to highlight our President & Executive Director, Barbara Bouquegneau, who has been a driving force at the French Library for over 27 years! Barbara's remarkable journey began in her native Belgium, where she earned a master's in electrical engineering and pursued biomedical research. She later obtained a second master's in film production from Boston University, leading her to produce independent films. Since joining the French Library as a Film Assistant, she has ascended through various roles, including Cultural Programs Manager, Director of Programs and Communications, and Chief Operating Officer. Her unwavering commitment to the French Library mission has fostered numerous friendships within the local Francophone and Francophile communities and expanded our cultural and business partnerships. In addition to her leadership at the French Library, Barbara has represented the Alliance Fran?aise of Boston & Cambridge and served on the board of the Federation of Alliances Fran?aises USA, chairing the One Book One Federation initiative, which promotes French literacy nationwide. An avid reader, writer, and film enthusiast, Barbara believes in the transformative power of cultural exploration and aims for every visitor to leave the French Library with newfound knowledge! Her enthusiasm for French and Francophone culture is contagious, and she is dedicated to sharing this vibrant world with our community. Her leadership continues to create a welcoming environment for Francophiles of all backgrounds! Happy National Boss’s Day and merci pour tout ce que tu fais, Barbara ! #MeetTheTeam #Leadership #FrenchCulture #FrancophileCommunity #CulturalExploration #FrenchLibrary?

Unlock the Benefits of Learning French! Have you ever considered how learning French could transform your life? It’s more than just acquiring a new skill—it’s about opening doors to new opportunities and experiences. Here are just a few reasons to start your French language journey: Cultural Enrichment and Travel: France is one of the most visited countries in the world. French is spoken in 29 countries as an official language. Speaking French enhances your travel experiences, allowing you to connect more deeply with locals and navigate with ease.?? Career Advancement: French is a key language in international business, diplomacy, and global organizations. Learning French can set you apart in the competitive job market and open exciting professional opportunities.? Cognitive Benefits: Learning a new language improves cognitive abilities, boosts memory, and enhances problem-solving skills. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to keep your brain active and engaged. At the French Library in Boston, we’re dedicated to making your French learning journey enjoyable and effective. Our Alliance Fran?aise/French Library Method features native teachers who bring authenticity and expertise to each lesson. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refine your skills, we have classes tailored to all levels and interests. Embark on a transformative journey with us and discover how mastering French can elevate your personal and professional life. Contact us today to find out more about our classes and cultural activities! Registration is now open for Session 2 of our fall classes! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eDW9Gkq9 #LearnFrench #FrenchLibraryBoston #LanguageLearning #CareerGrowth?