On July 8, Kennett Library will host a celebratory toast in honor of books donated to create a French collection. This donation is made possible by the generous support of PhilaFLAM, a school and nonprofit organization in the greater Philadelphia area.
(PhilaFLAM is a non-profit association initiated and managed by committed parents, and French-speaking and professional teachers who provide French lessons. The program is open to French-speaking children from 3 to 18 years old.)
Rana Sakr, the circulation assistant at Kennett Library, saw a need for French programs in her community and acted on it. As a volunteer in 2021, she started Franco Fun, a children’s program using singing as a way to expose children to the French language. Within a year, a second program FrancoTalk, a French conversation cafe for adults and teens, was up and running.
“FrancoFun and FrancoTalk are spaces to celebrate French culture. They bring people together, regardless of where your French comes from,” said Sakr, “parce que c'est la Francophonie qui nous unit.”
Sakr is grateful for the regular attendees and their energy in pushing these programs forward. Because of the rapidly growing popularity of the programs, Rana connected with PhilaFLAM. 
“PhilaFLAM saw our growing Francophile community and offered us books for our collection. We have the need, the space, and the people ready for these books. And they have been tremendously generous in donating books that French speakers within all the Chester County Library System can enjoy."
Marine Havel, president and founder of PhilaFLAM said, “PhilaFLAM is proud to be a partner of Kennett Library. A partnership between our school and the Kennett Library is important for every student, and every family in Chester County because it enhances access to resources for all francophone and francophile kids, students, families, and teachers in the county. We hope it will also further our support of language learning research, through plurilingualism discussions, and share educational and professional development opportunities offered by the French Embassy, through their French, parce que c'est la Francophonie qui nous unit.”
Havel has been recently appointed, honorary consul of France in Philadelphia because of her immense contributions to the french speaking community locally. FrancoFun and FrancoTalk are honored to be now part of this network.
Sakr continued, “With the support of PhilaFLAM, this collaboration, we can build on what Francophile patrons want in a program - from movie nights to book clubs and picnics.”
The books, which will amount to about 200 (including children, young adults, and adult books), are slated to arrive by the Grand Opening Celebration on August 27.
Chris Manna, executive director of Kennett Library, said, “The Kennett Library supports libraries for all and embraces multi-cultural environments where all people are celebrated and supported as part of their historical heritage. This new French collection and programming support our mission to bring all pieces of our community together into one shared space for collaboration.”
Kennett Library looks forward to further collaborations with community organizations to expand French programs and community networking.
Learn more about Kennett Library’s French programs:
FrancoFun! - Third Tuesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. FrancoTalk - Third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Learn more about library programs: KennettLibrary.org
Details for the French Toast Celebration:
The French Toast event will be catered by Talula's Table. Francophiles of all ages are welcome. July 8, 10-11:30 a.m. at the new Kennett Library & Resource Center. Please register to attend. https://ccls.libcal.com/event/10853497
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