The National Library of France is one of the largest libraries in the world. This library has the largest collection of modern and medieval manuscripts in the world and has a digital library with over 6 million digitized versions of books, magazines, prints, and more. While it is such a large and amazing library, it can feel cozy and welcoming to anyone who steps inside.
What To Expect When Visiting the National Library Of France
The library has many collections of books, filled with topics covering everything imaginable. These collections are separated into rooms to make it easier for visitors to find what they are looking for. These rooms are labeled and employees can also help visitors find what they are looking for.
When visitors walk into the library, they will first notice the high, vaulted ceilings that seem to reach for the sky, and the beautiful windows to let natural light in. They will then find there is a cloakroom to place their belongings. There are certain rules to what must be checked into the cloakroom, such as sharp objects and motorcycle helmets, but otherwise, visitors are able to take what they want into the library.
History Of The National Library of France
The National Library of France can trace its history all the way back to 1368 at the Louvre Palace by Charles V. Then after the death of Charles VI, it was bought by the Duke of Bedford and brought to England in 1424, and then dispersed at his death in 1435. While the loss of the books was not repaired, printing helped start another collection in 1461.
After moving several more times, the library was opened to the public in 1692. But in 1792, after four centuries of being controlled by the crown, the library was renamed Bibliotheque Nationale and was the property of the French people. After several more regime changes in France, it became the Imperial National Library and yet again moved buildings in 1868. The library is now housed in several different buildings in order to house the entire collection.
Time And Cost Of Visiting The Library
The National Library of France has a few different ways to visit, but the best way for tourists is to either go online and make an appointment to get to know the library or go to the greeting hall. The employees will help visitors decide what is best for each visitor.
- Time: Mon. 2pm-8pm, Tues-Sat. 9:30am-8pm, Sun. 1pm-7pm
- Cost: 3.90 € +
For tourists who are wanting to visit for free, with a readers card 5 pm-8 pm entrance to the library is completely free. The one that the price is listed above is the reader's card that gives access to the library all day. These are just the main two types of passes, but there are several types. Any passes that are acquired through the library are valid for one year from their delivery date.
Readers Passes
There are several different types of passes to get into the public library, but one of the most common is the reader's passes. These are the most inexpensive types of passes, with one being free because it only lets visitors into the library between the hours of 5 pm and 8 pm. The one-day readers card is 3.90 €, where visitors are allowed all day.
These passes are bought online and visitors only have to show their ID at the desk after purchase to receive their pass. These passes can also be renewed online or in person, making it easy for visitors to keep their passes active.
Researchers Passes
The other most common type of pass is the researcher's pass. These passes are most common among students and researchers because of the reading rooms in the research library that allow for quiet, private study time. These passes start at 5 € a day, going up to 50 € for an unlimited pass.
These passes are bought in the same way as the reader's passes are. These just have a few extra perks, such as the private reading rooms where documents will be brought to the visitors in their rooms. The document collection is freely accessible from the reading rooms, and these rooms can be booked on the same day.
Where One Can Find the National Library Of France
In the heart of Paris and next to the banks of the Seine River lies the National Library of France. These four huge buildings are the corners of a garden that lies in the middle. These are just one part of the huge library, with there being four other libraries scattered around Paris. These five libraries are named:
- Opėra
- Jean-Vilar
- Arsenal
- Richelieu
- François-Mitterrand
These are all exclusively research libraries, except for François-Mitterrand, which is also a public library. All of these libraries require either a researcher's pass or a reader's pass to access the documents and books that the library has to offer. These passes are well worth the cost, as the library had hundreds of thousands of books with topics on everything imaginable.
Whether visitors love to read or just love to explore, the National Library of France is an amazing stop while touring through the city of Paris. These large buildings are sure to capture the attention of anyone passing by, and the insides are just as captivating. The library is full of knowledge and amazing things to see inside, so visitors should be sure to include it on the itinerary. And after visiting the library, it is easy to stroll through Paris or along the banks of the River Seine. Safe travels!