L'Heure Joyeuse

I like visiting bookshops when I travel of course. They're always interesting. Even if most of the books aren't available in your native tongue, and not particularly readable for you. I like visiting libraries too, even though sometimes it's not so successful- you can get asked to leave libraries for no apparent reason. 

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