Thankfully just before I left for Paris my friend Deb at Readerbuzz did a post on visiting bookish places. It reminded me of library visiting, and so I decided to search out and visit the local library in Paris. Paris has many, many libraries of every sort, but by pure luck the closest public library to my initial Left Bank residence last month was the delightful L'Heure Joyeuse, one of the specialised children's libraries run by the city of Paris. My days were full in Paris, and I got there with just 15 or 20 minutes to spare before they closed for the evening. It was still a very special visit for me though.
Such a great name |
It's tucked away behind Eglise Saint Severin |
L'Heure Joyeuse is celebrating it's 90th anniversary this year. There was a wonderful display celebrating their librarians and their books.
A highlight for me was the absolutely gorgeous translated editions of Peter Rabbit (Pierre Lapin) hand made by the first librarians |
Then it was on upstairs to the library proper. The librarian was lovely, very helpful, and showed me around just before closing time.
Tintin everywhere of course |
Manga and comic books (bands desinée) are huge in France |
The favourites shelf |
Great to see David Walliams well represented |
and Jacqueline Wilson |
I guess I shouldn't have been surprised by some of the translations |
A great room for younger kids where they do weekly reading and singing sessions |
Foreign language selections |
Just a part of the room for older children |
Great that she needs her own section |
L'Heure Joyeuse
6-12 Rue des Pretres Saint-Severin
Paris 75005
Tuesday 4-7
Wednesday 10-6
Thursday 4-7
Friday 4-7
Saturday 10-6
Closed Sunday/Monday
Dreaming of France is a wonderful Monday meme from Paulita at An Accidental Blog |
5 comments:
I love bookish places too!
I'm enchanted. I've always loved libraries and am sure that walking into one erases that foreign feel. Love the name. Thanks for playing along today. Can't wait til I actually have time to savor all your Paris posts.
This looks like such a delightful place.
Beatrix Potter is one of my favourite authors.
I didn't even think to visit any libraries when I visited Paris. So glad you got to visit this lovely children's library!
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