Library Policies

Access

You must be or become a member of the Alliance Française in order to check out materials from the library. 

Library membership is not automatic when you join the Alliance; you must come by the library and sign up. We are on the ground floor of the AF building. The library hours are different from the office hours of the Alliance (please see "Library Hours" below). 

To check out materials a $30 deposit is required unless you are currently enrolled in a class at the Alliance. The deposit may be paid by Visa, Mastercard, check or cash. Whenever you wish to discontinue your library membership, simply request a refund of the deposit.

Loss, damage or failure to return borrowed items: If an overdue item you have checked out is not returned after three reminders, or if an item is damaged or lost, you must pay to replace the item(s) in full or lose your deposit. If you did not pay an initial deposit, you are required to pay the replacement costs in full of any lost or damaged items or lose library privileges.

Borrowing

The loan period is 3 weeks for everything except DVDs. DVDs marked "new" are for one week; older DVDs are for two weeks. See below for policies on renewal.

• Books: 6 at a time (of which 2 can be new acquisitions)
• Picture books for children: 10 at a time (of which 2 can be new acquisitions)
• Magazines & Newspapers: 4 at a time (the most recent issue is non-circulating) 
• Adult DVDs: 2 at a time (non-renewable)
• Children's DVDs: 2 at a time (non-renewable)
• VHS 4 at a time
• Adult Music CDs: 4 at a time
• Children's music CDs: 2 at a time
• Language learning sets: 1 at a time (non-renewable)

Renewal

You may renew by email (bibli.alliance@francedc.org) or by phone (202-234-7911 ext. 14).  Items may be renewed up to two times for a total of nine weeks unless:

• The item in question is a DVD or language learning set (these are not renewable)
• The item is marked "new"
• Another member has requested the item 

Thank you for adhering to these policies, which help us insure that all members have equal access to the collection.

Late fees and the 3-Strike Policy

• Books, CDs, tapes, movies: 25 cents per item per day.
  New DVDs: $1.00 per DVD per day. 
• If there is an outstanding balance of over $10, borrowing is suspended until payment is made.
• 3-Strike Policy: Three returns of over one week late will result in suspension of borrowing privileges for 3 months.

Use of the library computer

• The computer is available for internet and CD-ROM use during library hours. Limited to half an hour per session.

Library Hours - The library occasionally closes at 6pm for events, including film showings; check calendar.