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The City of Paris public library network includes 57 libraries across every arrondissement in Paris. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. Here you will find the rules and practical information for Paris libraries in 12 languages.
The City of Paris libraries offer a wide range of services, including spaces for reading, study, information and leisure. Across the network, you can access more than 3.5 million items and 800 public computers.
Some services, such as borrowing items or using a computer for more than 15 minutes, are reserved for library members. Others, such as study spaces and cultural events, are available without joining the library first.
Joining the library
One library membership allows you to borrow from all City of Paris lending libraries. Anyone can join: adults and children, Parisians and non-Parisians, whatever their nationality.
To join, all you need is valid proof of identity, such as a national identity card, passport, driving licence, residence permit, asylum application certificate, family record book or civil status certificate.
Library cards are valid for one year from the date you join. To renew your card each year, please present valid proof of identity together with your library card.
Services
Borrowing items
You can access more than 3.5 million items. Most of them can be borrowed free of charge, including books, magazines, comics and graphic novels, audio recordings and language-learning materials. Music CDs require a paid subscription. If you are looking for books in your language, visit our books in other languages page.
The digital library
Through the library portal, you can access a collection of 20,000 e-books free of charge. You can also borrow e-readers from libraries for up to 4 weeks, just as you would borrow a book.
Learning French and other languages
Most libraries offer language-learning materials. Some are designated as “Language Centres” and provide resources for learning a wide range of languages, including French as a foreign language, English, German, Spanish, Bengali, Egyptian Arabic, Indonesian, Pashto, Persian, Russian and Romanian, as well as books, magazines and audio materials in other languages.
Some libraries also hold French conversation workshops for adults.
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Coup2Pouce (Homework Help)
Some libraries offer free homework support for primary school pupils and some secondary school pupils.
Free Wi-Fi
With Paris Wi-Fi, you can connect to free high-speed internet in all City of Paris libraries.
To connect, select the PARIS_WI-FI network and enter your email address.
800 public computers
Public computers are available in municipal libraries. They provide free, secure access to the internet, digital resources and software.
- 15-minute sessions, no library membership required: visitors may use a computer for up to 15 minutes without joining the library.
- 2-hour sessions, library membership required: computers are available to users with a valid library card. “Adult” workstations are open to everyone aged 12 and over for up to 2 hours per day. “Youth” workstations are reserved for minors and limited to 1 hour per day.
A rich and varied cultural programme
City of Paris libraries offer a varied cultural programme with something for everyone. Events are free and open to non-members, and include film screenings, talks and meetings, concerts, debates, exhibitions, workshops, storytelling sessions, reading groups, video games, outdoor libraries in summer and much more.
For full details, including locations, dates and times, please see our events calendar.
Accessibility
Most libraries are accessible to disabled visitors.
The “Deaf” and “Reading Differently” centres offer enhanced accessibility through dedicated collections and services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Opening hours vary from one library to another. Please check https://www.paris.fr/equipements/bibliotheques
Members of any City of Paris lending library can borrow up to 20 items, including up to 5 DVDs. You can also borrow e-readers and e-books. Items may be kept for up to 4 weeks and renewed twice, provided they are not overdue and have not been reserved by another user. You can renew your loans at the library or through your user account.
Search the library catalogue using the search box at the top of the page.
Borrowed items must be returned to the library from which they were borrowed.
Your user account allows you to reserve items, renew loans, and check your current loans and due dates.
To access your user account, click “Mon compte” in the top right-hand corner of this page.
Your library card number, without spaces or punctuation, is your user ID.
Your password is your date of birth, without punctuation, in DDMMYYYY format, for example: 16021980.
If your items are 7 days or more overdue, your card will be blocked until they are returned. A late-return fee is payable once the amount due reaches €15.
- €0.15 per day per item for adults
- €0.07 per day per item for minors, or a 2-week suspension of borrowing rights.
Provide us with your email address and we will send you reminders before your items are due.
Lost or damaged items must be paid for or replaced.
You can reserve up to 10 items in various formats, either online or at a library.
Please report lost or stolen cards to the library of your choice as soon as possible. A new card will be issued 15 days after you report the loss or theft.
Select your language and log in with your user ID and password.
Your library card number is your user ID.
Your password is your date of birth, without punctuation, in DDMMYYYY format, for example: 16021980.
Librarians are available to answer any questions you may have.