L'Alliance Française is the largest network of French language and cultural centers in the world. L'Alliance Française is dedicated to promoting French language and culture, and to fostering friendly relations between francophones and francophiles of all racial, national and ethnic origins. Alliance Française is a French village in the heart of Washington - a special place to learn French language and Francophone cultures, to challenge and enrich our views of the world, to reach across differences, and celebrate our common humanity. Our library has a collection of over 10,000 books, French newspapers, magazines, videos, DVDs and CDs, accessible to all members. and offers a remote-access library to all members, called Culturethèque. Our classes target students from age 1 thru 99, at all levels. We use a task-oriented methodology unique to the AF network and which follows the recommendations of the CECR (Common European Framework for the teaching of Foreign Languages) used by all 27 EU countries. Certifications offered at our organization include all variants of TEF (certificates validated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris), all variants of TCF (certificates) as well as DELF A1 thru B2 and DALF C1 and C2 (lifetime diplomas) recognized by the French Ministry of National Education, all French universities and "grandes écoles" as well as employers in all of the EU. Our cultural events - in English and in French- showcase of all aspects of French and Francophone cultures and open the world to the curious Washingtonians: movie screenings, lectures, authors' signings, theater, music, tastings, a biennial fashion show and the Annual DC Francophonie Festival are essential components of our organization.