AFD Library Information

libraryWelcome to the AFD Library, a sanctuary for lovers of the French language and Francophone cultures! Our library is a treasure trove of resources, offering an extensive collection of books, magazines, films, and digital media to support your journey into the world of French literature, arts, and beyond. Whether you are here to study, explore, or simply relax with a good book, our library provides a welcoming and serene environment tailored to your needs. We invite you to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Francophone cultures, participate in our engaging events, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Bienvenue, and enjoy your time at the AFD Library!

Membership with the library is required to access specific services: borrowing documents, access to Internet, e-library, etc.

E-library / Culturethèque

For Library Member only

Library Catalogue

For Library Member only

Library Video
Library Contact, Location & Timing

Contact of AFD Library

Email: use “contact us” form
Phone: 011 43 500 221 / 011 43 500 237.

Location of AFD Library

Alliance Française de Delhi – Lodi Centre
2nd Floor, K.K. Birla Lane, 72, Lodi Estate, New Delhi – 1110003

Opening hours of AFD Library

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday – 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Thursday and Friday – 9.00 am to 6.00 pm

  • Public dealing stops at half an hour before closing time.

Closed Day & Holidays of AFD Library

August 2025 Updates:

  • to be announced
August 2025 Suggestion

Toute une vie à écrire

By Sylvie Neeman, illustrations by Albertine.
French, La Joie de Lire, Geneva, 2020

 In Toute une vie à écrire, Sylvie Neeman crafts a delicate and poignant story about the bond between a young girl and an elderly writer. Told with quiet elegance, the book explores themes of aging, creativity, mentorship, and the passing of time.

The narrative unfolds through gentle conversations and shared silences, capturing the beauty of intergenerational connection. Neeman’s writing is subtle yet emotionally rich, complemented perfectly by Albertine’s soft, expressive illustrations. Though written for younger readers, the story resonates with adults as well, offering reflections on the joy and solitude of a life spent writing.

A moving and contemplative book, Toute une vie à écrire celebrates the lasting imprint of words—and the people who write them.

Intouchables: Grandeur et Décadence d'une Caste

By Gislaine Ottenheimer
French, Albin Michel, Paris, 2004

In Intouchables: Grandeur et Décadence d’une Caste, journalist Bernard Poulet delivers a sharp and thought-provoking critique of France’s elite ruling class. With a mix of investigative depth and historical insight, Poulet explores how a small, self-perpetuating group—spanning politics, business, media, and administration—has concentrated power and distanced itself from the rest of society.

The book dissects the mechanisms of this “untouchable” caste, revealing its role in the erosion of democratic ideals and growing public distrust. Poulet’s tone is incisive without being sensationalist, making complex issues accessible to a wide readership.

A timely and unsettling analysis, Intouchables serves as both a wake-up call and a call to reform, urging greater transparency and accountability at the highest levels of power.

Vodou

By Camille Tisserand
French, Père Fouettard, Balbronn, 2019

Published in 2019 by Éditions Père Fouettard, Vodou is an illustrated documentary aimed at children (ages 5–10) but with enough depth to engage older readers too. Authored in collaboration with the Château Vodou museum in Strasbourg, Camille Tisserand presents a vivid introduction to the Vodou religion—demystifying its rituals, deities, and history from West Africa to the Americas.

The book stands out for its colorful and imaginative illustrations, which balance respect for religious traditions with aesthetic creativity—especially impressive given the scarcity of standardized imagery around certain Vodou spirits. Accompanied by clear, playful text, it deconstructs harmful stereotypes—“no voodoo dolls here”—and explains complex cultural legacies in simple, engaging terms.

While not exhaustive, Vodou succeeds beautifully as a first encounter: it invites curiosity, challenges misconceptions, and offers a respectful, enlightening window into a rich spiritual tradition. Ideal for young readers ready to explore beyond sensationalism.——

Library Policy

Loan details : You must present your library card at the time of issuing the materials.

Reservation : You can place a reservation on an already issued document. You will be notified by the call when the reserved item is available for collection. Item will be held for 7 days. If you do not collect it within this time, your reservation will be automatically canceled.

Loan renewal : You can extend the loan period of your documents through phone, email, or in person. Items that have been requested by another user and overdue items will not be renewed.

Late fine : Late return of documents is subject to a fine of RS 10 per document and per working day.

Locker (New): Locker facilities are available in the library. Locker facility close half an hour before library close time.

Dropbox : Library materials may be returned in drop box if the library is closed.

Library Membership

Membership Types

We offer three types of membership. They are all yearly and non-refundable. Students and members of Alliance Française are entitled to a free Classic Membership. Please note that library membership is not automatic when you join the Alliance. New members must come by the library and register for membership.

Premium membership:-
Outside Member: Rs.3500/- 
AFD Students: Rs.2000/- 
* Additional Refundable Deposit: Rs.2000/-

For 3 weeks:
6 Books
6 Comics
5 Periodicals / Journals

For 1 Week:
3 FLE books

Classic membership-
Outside Member: Rs.2000/-  
AFD Students: Free 
* Additional Refundable Deposit: Rs.2000/-

For 3 weeks:
4 Books
4 Comics
2 Periodicals / Journals

For 1 Week:
2 FLE books

Institutional membership:-
Rs. 10000/-

 

 

 

 

For 1 month:
15 Children Books
15 Comics Books
10 Books
5 Magazines

For 1 Week:
3 FLE books

Library Membership Registration

Whether you are a student at Alliance Française or not, you can become a member of our library.

How to Register?

You have to submit:

  • A valid proof of address (electricity bill, telephone bill, bank statement)
  • A valid Photo ID (voter’s card, driver’s license, passport, government /MNC issued proof of identity)
  • Two recent stamp-size photographs
  • A class receipt, if you are a student at Alliance Française for the current session
  • Your payment, if any
 

Library Collections

General collections

The library offers access to more than 30,000 documents of various categories: novels, French methods, comic books, DVDs, CDs, children’s documents, magazines/newspapers, the majority of which is freely accessible.

Owing to the specialist nature of the library, most of the materials are in French; however the collection also includes documents in English, Hindi, Bengali, etc.

Special Sections

The library includes several special sections:

  • Francophonie section: novels and literary studies written by French speakers of all nationalities (Antilles, Africa, America, etc.).
  • India section: a whole section dedicated to the beauties of India (art and crafts, dance, travel guides…).
  • Learner’s library: hundreds of documents classified according to their French level (A1, A2, B1, B2) thanks to a user-friendly color code.

Video Games : Two PS4 are available in the library. Each of them contains several dematerialized games, which can be played both for fun and French learning. Rules and regulations apply; please click here.

 

French television : Cordless headphones are available within the library. They are dedicated to watching TV in French (TV5 monde and France 24).

 
 

Library visit : If you’re a school partner of the AFD or an AFD teacher, please contact us to organize a library visit with your class.

Document Donations : Before donating documents to the library, we request you to carefully read and fill out the donation form (donations that do not meet the criteria mentioned in this document will be systematically refused). Thank you for your understanding!