Reader TTS

FROM GROWING SEEDS TO BORROWING ART, THERE IS MORE TO YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY THAN MEETS THE EYE There are around 16,000 public _bibliothèques_ and _médiathèques_ (lending libraries) in France,

containing 156 million books, 12.7 million audio recordings and 4.1 million videos. Some 17% of the population belong to a library, the vast majority of which are managed by local

municipalities. This is in addition to university and research libraries. In many ways, they act as gateways and guides to culture in France. The government is currently actively supporting

moves to extend opening hours of small local libraries, as well as modernising premises and adding new services. To join, you usually need to show recent proof of address (a utilities bill

should suffice) and ID. It can be well worth the effort, as libraries in France offer a great deal of other services beyond the bookshelves. READ MORE: FRANCE’S STUNNING NATIONAL LIBRARY IS

A READER'S PARADISE OPEN TO ALL 1.BORROW ART The brainchild of writer/politician André Malraux (Georges Pompidou’s culture minister), the first _artothèque_ was founded in 1961 in Le

Havre, Normandy. Today, there are more than 30 across the country, while a number of private businesses offer similar services. Working like a normal book library, modern art paintings and

sculptures are available for short-term loan for a relatively moderate fee to members of the public, businesses, organisations and schools. 2. DO YOUR ADMIN Some librarians can offer help

with job-hunting or dealing with bureaucracy. 3. ENTERTAIN THE KIDS Access services for children as young as pre-school age, such as storytelling sessions on Wednesdays or weekends. 4. ORDER

BOOKS If you are looking for something specific, many libraries will transfer it from another library for you. 5. CHECK OUT THE NOTICEBOARD Find out about other cultural events and services

in your area. This is the place to discover amateur dramatics groups, painting classes and bilingual shows. 6. JOIN A _GRAINOTHÈQUE_ A recent innovation is seed libraries. Usually housed in

a small drawer, these consist of envelopes filled with seeds. Simply select the one you would like to grow and, when the plants produce seeds, you ‘return’ them to the library. 7. DO SOME

RESEARCH It can be tempting to think everything you need to know is available online, but librarians are trained to help with original research – especially valuable for local history

projects, for example. Libraries have information on CD-ROMS, and will show you how to use them. Also remember that churches keep records of weddings, funerals and baptisms. 8. GET STUDYING

Most libraries have tables to do homework or essays – even write a book undistracted. 9. BORROW TOYS AND GAMES Many libraries lend toys, games and even video games, especially those designed

to support learning – an ideal way to occupy bored children at home. READ MORE: SAVE MONEY IN FRANCE BY FINDING MISSING BOARD GAME PIECES READ MORE: COULD YOU SAVE MONEY IN FRANCE BY

RENTING CHILDREN’S TOYS? 10. JOIN A BOOK CLUB See if your library runs a book club, which can be a great way to meet like-minded people and discover new authors. Librarians can also help

with the latter. READ MORE: HOW TO FIGHT OFF EXPAT ISOLATION IN FRANCE 11. READ ALL ABOUT IT Read or borrow magazines and newspapers. 12. ORGANISE OUTREACH SERVICES Many libraries have

trucks kitted out as mobile libraries and will organise visits to prisons, schools, retirement homes etc. 13. GO ONLINE Libraries often have computers and printers to use and librarians can

help track down documents and information online. 14. LEARN FRENCH Get suggestions for resources to support efforts to learn French, or other languages. READ MORE: YOUR TIPS ON HOW BEST TO

IMPROVE FRENCH LANGUAGE SKILLS 15. GET CREATIVE Some libraries run yarn bombing (_tricot-grafitti_) sessions, where participants knit or crochet decorations to attach to local street

furniture or trees. 16. FIND SUPPORT FOR READING DIFFICULTIES Look out for designated Facile à lire books and other services supporting adult literacy. RELATED ARTICLES 12 THINGS YOU CAN DO

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