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The network of City of Paris libraries comprises 57 libraries in all the arrondissements of Paris. They are free and open to all. Discover here all the rules of Paris libraries, in 12 different languages.
The City of Paris libraries offer a range of services and access to reception, information and leisure areas where you can consult more than 3.5 million documents and 800 computers.
Some services (e.g. borrowing documents, using a computer for more than 15 minutes) are restricted to enrolled members, but others are available without prior enrolment (e.g. work spaces, cultural events).
Enrolling in the library
A single enrolment allows you to borrow from all City of Paris lending libraries. Enrolment is open to all: adults, children, Parisians and non-Parisians, irrespective of nationality.
A valid ID card is all you need to enrol: a national identity card, passport, driving licence, residence permit, certificate of application for asylum, family booklet or a civil status certificate.
Library cards are valid for one year from the date of enrolment. To renew your card every year, remember to present valid ID along with your user's card.
Services
Document loans
You can access more than 3.5 million documents. Most of them – books, reviews, comic strips, audio recordings, language-learning methods – can be borrowed free of charge, except for music CDs, for which there is a subscription fee. If you are looking for books in your languages, take a look at this page.
The digital library
Via the libraries portal, you have free access to a library of 20.000 e-books. You can borrow e-readers from libraries for up to 4 weeks, in the same way as you borrow a book.
Learn French and other foreign languages
Most libraries provide language-learning methods, but some libraries are identified as "Language Centers" and provide methods for learning a great variety of languages (e.g. French as a Foreign Language, English, German, Spanish, Bengali, Egyptian, Indonesian, Pashto, Persian, Russian, Romanian), as well as books, reviews and audio documents in foreign languages.
Some libraries also organize French conversation sessions for adults as a learning aid.
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Coup2Pouce (A Helping Hand)
Some libraries provide a free homework assistance service for primary and secondary school pupils up to a certain level.
Free WI-FI
Thanks to the Paris Wi-Fi service, you can avail of a free high-speed Internet connection in all City of Paris libraries.
To connect to the network, select the network PARIS_WI-FI and enter your email address.
800 self-service computers
Self-service computers are available in the municipal libraries. They provide free and secure access to the Internet, e-resources and software.
- Computers for 15 minutes (without enrolling): "Casual" users may make use of computers for a limited period of 15 minutes without enrolling.
- Computers for 2 hours (after enrolling): Computers are available to users with valid membership cards. "Adult" workstations are available to everyone over the age of 12 for up to 2 hours a day. "Youth" workstations are reserved for minors and limited to 1 hour a day.
A rich and varied cultural program
City of Paris libraries offer a varied cultural program to suit all tastes. The program includes, free of charge and without enrolling: film shows, encounters, concerts, debates, exhibitions, workshops, storytelling, reading groups, video games, outdoor libraries in summer and much more.
Go to our agenda for further details (sites, events, times)
Disabled access
The majority of libraries provide disabled access.
The “Deaf” and “Reading Differently” centres provide enhanced access with special collections and services.
Frequently Asked Questions