Photo : Heure du Conte - Bilingue LSF/FR
Storytime Hours - LSF/FR Bilingual
Witness how words take flight and transform into mesmerizing visual poetry through French Sign Language. This unique storytelling session creates an inclusive space where hand gestures speak as powerfully as the spoken voice.
Médiathèque James Baldwin (Paris 19th)
About
The James Baldwin Library in the 19th arrondissement hosts bilingual storytelling sessions combining French and French Sign Language (LSF). These monthly meetings offer children an immersive experience with stories, rhymes, and sign-songs led by library staff. Whether visiting with toddlers or older children, families are invited to explore literature through a unique visual dialogue where gestures bring words to life. Attendance is completely free, with registration required on-site on the day of the event, subject to capacity. Families are kindly encouraged to attend in pairs, consisting of one child and one parent, to ensure everyone can participate comfortably.
Come and attend the LSF/FR bilingual Storytime Hour at the James Baldwin Media Library: readings of stories, nursery rhymes, finger games, and sign-songs, led by the librarians.
These sessions are LSF/FR bilingual. In French, the words take flight, and in French Sign Language (LSF), the gestures come to life. Each movement becomes a visual poem where signs are as powerful as words.
For reading moments adapted to everyone, two reading times are organized on the same day:
- A mediation time for toddlers (0-3 years old) from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, where readings will be individualized. Librarians and their companions will read to children alone or in small groups, who will be free to move around the space. A format that allows for better discovery of books and reading.
- One for older children (4-6 years old) from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM, to help children and their companions discover new arrivals and the librarians' favorites.
- Upcoming dates:
- Saturday, September 19: bilingual LSF/FR
- Saturday, November 21: bilingual LSF/FR
- Saturday, December 19: bilingual LSF/FR
Free admission, registration on-site on the day of the event. As space is limited, please prioritize coming as a duo, 1 child / 1 parent.
LSF/FR bilingual sessions:
- Storytime sessions in French are also offered, to be discovered here
Our take on this event
At the James Baldwin Library, librarians share their favorite stories through sessions conducted in both French and LSF. The schedule is divided into two age-specific formats to best suit young readers: from 10:30 to 11:30, the morning session caters to children aged 0 to 3, allowing for individual reading experiences and freedom of movement. Later in the day, from 16:00 to 16:30, the afternoon session is designed for children aged 4 to 6 to discover new books and curated selections.
The sessions will take place on Saturday, November 21, 2026, and Saturday, December 19, 2026. Admission is free, though participants must register on-site on the day of the event. Due to limited space, it is recommended that children are accompanied by only one adult to maximize the number of participants.
