I met Annette Gruner Schlumberger in 1988—she was “Aunt Annette” to my French wife. Petite in stature but immense in presence. Incredibly intelligent, hyperactive, charmingly quirky, with a great sense of humor—the most interesting 83-year-old I had ever met. She adored Greece, maintaining a home here which she visited frequently. It was then that I learned about her touching philhellenic work: 22 pioneering children’s libraries in 22, at that time, socioeconomically disadvantaged areas of our country, aiming to help as many ‘marginalized’ Greek children as she could, "opening their minds and horizons."
The idea behind her libraries was truly unique: a library is not just a place with many books, where one either borrows some to take home, or reads them there in silence. On the contrary, Annette’s libraries were spaces for socialization and safe expression of childhood for the local children, where they had the opportunity to acquire broad knowledge on a variety of subjects—sciences, arts, history, ecology, as well as different types of important human values. This was achieved through her renowned multidimensional thematic programs, curated by specialized educators of her "Children’s and Youth Book Center." These programs allowed children to easily, enjoyably, and effectively engage with all major intellectual themes of life, thus productively stimulating their learning curiosity. She had initiated this model in an underprivileged suburb of Paris (La Petite Bibliothèque Ronde in Clamart) with enormous success and earned widespread European educational recognition.
Unfortunately, Mrs. Schlumberger and her Library Organization in Greece became (without her will or knowledge) entangled in the political disputes between the alternating governing parties during that period. This was due to their significant success and widespread societal acceptance in 28 (by then) regional areas, which the parties wanted to claim as their own. Although prominent figures in our society and literature appreciated and honored Mrs. Schlumberger’s work, the Children’s and Teens Book Center, along with its 28 libraries, was forced to shut down in 2010. Ultimately, the State failed to uphold its part of the original agreement with her, refusing to provide any assistance—be it space for the libraries, along with heating and electricity costs, or the funding for operational expenses.
The establishment and operation of the Kifisia Children’s Library SEARCH (initially “Nea Erythraia Children’s Library) in 1998, when it became clear that the relationship between the Library Organization and the State was deteriorating, fulfills Annette Schlumberger’s wish to continue the work she began and generously offered to thousands of Greek children. My wife and I were deeply moved by Annette’s respect and love for Greek culture, which had so inspired and influenced her remarkable life, her unparalleled aesthetics, and her distinctive philosophy. Personally, as a Greek, I felt it my duty to honor the promise I made to her during our last conversation shortly before her passing: to keep her dream for these libraries alive. She did not desire this out of vanity but "for the good of Greece." And although the Greek State ultimately ‘betrayed’ her, I am certain that wherever she is now, she rejoices in the enthusiasm, knowledge, and opportunities enjoyed by the children and families who benefit from our Library, even if only those in the surrounding suburbs.
The Kifisia Children’s Library SEARCH has operated since then exclusively through private funding, always with the kind support of the Municipality of Kifisia (initially Nea Erythraia), which provides the property and covers its utilities’ cost. Our goal will always be to keep the spirit of Annette alive, offering the high-quality educational opportunities she envisioned for future generations of Greek children. At the same time, we aim to preserve, continually renew, and hopefully someday pass on our expertise in effective broad learning through our multidimensional educational programs.
The ‘heart’ of our Library since its founding to this day is Mrs. Katerina Frouzaki, who lovingly and passionately directs the Library. She is always available to guide you through the microcosm envisioned, first realized, and generously endowed by Annette Schlumberger.
As of 2026, the leadership of the Library has been taken over by my son, Odysseas, who, at the age of five, was the source of my personal inspiration to establish this Library together with my wife. Beyond his deep emotional connection to the entire endeavor, Odysseas is committed to continuing Annette’s work and our own for as long as the Municipality of Kifissia continues to provide its invaluable support. In this way, the Kifissia SEARCH Library will always remain in good hands!
Rudy Rallis
Honorary Chairman - Kifisia Children's Library SEARCH
