The 8 best libraries in Paris

Are you a student, teacher, tourist or expat searching for the best libraries in Paris? Our guide lists the most outstanding public libraries in the city, and why they are so impressive.

Paris is a must-see destination that offers something that will tickle the fancy of any kind of visitor. Art and culture devotees, museum buffs, outdoor lovers, fanatical foodies.

However, did you know that Paris is also the location of some of the most beautiful libraries in Europe, full to the brim of fascinating historical documents, books, catalogues and much more?

Our guide to the best libraries in Paris lists our personal favourites, all of which are open to the public, diverse in their offerings and could become your new favourite spot to read ,study or simply escape the noise of the city.

Let’s explore them together!

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1. Bibliothèque National de France (François-Mitterrand) 

Address: Quai François Mauriac, 75706 Paris. 

Opening hours: Thursday 9 am–8 pm, Friday 9 am–8 pm, Saturday 9 am–8 pm, Sunday 1–7 pm, Monday 2–8 pm, Tuesday 9 am–8 pm, Wednesday 9 am–8 pm. 

Nearest Metro station: Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand.

The Bibliothèque National de France is the national library of France and is located on two sites in the sixth arrondissement of the city, alongside the Seine. The François-Mitterrand building has two libraries, one of which is a public library and one for researchers. The location is the most renowned of our list of libraries in Paris, and regularly hosts cultural events and exhibitions.  The modern building offers visitor centres and some working areas that are accessible free of charge to the public.

Review: “Architecture buffs will love this whole complex with amazing lines and sun and shadow play. You can spend hours walking through the exteriors and interiors. Speaking of which, go down to the Iibrary space, exhibition, cafe and they have a cinema too. Well worth the walk and visit.” – Mohammed.  

https://www.bnf.fr/fr/francois-mitterrand

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2. Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève

Address: 10 place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris. 

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 10pm, closed Sunday. 

Nearest Metro station: Maubert-Mutualité, Cardinal Lemoine.

Often referred to as one of the most beautiful libraries in Paris, Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève is a public site located across from the Panthéon. Housing over two million documents and archives dating back to before the French Revolution, the building, including its sprawling reading rooms, is one of the most magnificent in Paris. The site is also a library utilised by the University of Paris. Members of the public over 18 can access this grand library simply by registering or by holding a valid Certificate of Education. 

Review: “Best library in the entire world, period. Magnificent building architecture, large desk space, wide opening hours 6 days a week, sometimes 7/7 during exams, very old and valuable books, cheap copy machines, friendly staff, just the best. I have known and loved this library for years and it even keeps improving.”

https://www.bsg.univ-paris3.fr

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3. Bibliothèque Publique d’Information

Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris (located in the Centre Pompidou).

Opening hours: Monday, Thursday and Friday 12pm-10pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-10pm, closed Tuesday.

Nearest Metro station: Rambuteau.

The Bibliothèque Publique d’Information is located within the ultra-modern Centre Pompidou in hip La Marais, and offers open plan state-of-the-art public spaces, reading and study areas, vast collections and a year-round calendar of unmissable cultural activities and events. There is also a restaurant and kiosk on-site. While you cannot lend books from this library, the site and its facilities is open to the public for free.

Review: “Absolutely loved the library here. Great big spaces, thousands and thousands of books, and WiFi to get your work done. I was super impressed with how busy it was and how many people were actually using it. Libraries back home are certainly not like this one. Highly recommend.” – Justin.  

https://www.bpi.fr

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4. The American Library in Paris

Address: 10 Rue du Général Camou, 75007 Paris. 

Opening hours: Monday closed, Tuesday and Wednesday 10am-9pm, Thursday-Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 1pm-7pm. 

Nearest Metro station: École Militaire, Alma-Marceau.

Established over a century ago as a place to house American books and publications donated to US soldiers stationed in Europe during WWI, the American Library In Paris is now one of the most popular libraries in Paris and a destination for all. This English-language library is the largest of its kind in Europe, located just minutes walk from the Eiffel Tower, and is home to over 100,000 books, magazines and more. The library regularly hosts free events, speakers, children’s story hours and an annual Gala,  and famous authors have been patrons and visitors for over 100 years. You can register for a daily, weekly or annual pass and gain access to the entire catalogue.

Review: “One of the best places for English speakers (for children and adults) in Paris. We have been to the place for the last 4 years and it is a lovely place for children who wish to be grow up to be bilingual kids in Paris. The atmosphere is lovely and the staff & volunteers are warm and welcoming. The programmes for children are very well organized. Thanks to the librarians Celeste and Kirsty for doing such a wonderful job. Bravo to the entire team.” – Suganya.  

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5. Bibliothèque Forney

Address: 1 Rue du Figuier, 75004 Paris.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 11am-7pm, Saturday 12pm-7pm, closed Sunday and Monday. 

Nearest Metro station: Pont Marie. 

Located within what remains of the medieval Hotel de Sens in trendy La Marais, the Bibliothèque Forney is an architectural dream that is one of the best libraries in Paris for art buffs. It specialises in books related to the arts, and houses 23000 of them plus 50000 catalogues. The grand building is reminiscent of something you’d see in medieval France and thankfully, the library is open to the public upon easy and quick registration.

Review: “Very nice place, very quiet with a real feeling of cocooning. Registration took 5 minutes flat, thank you for the efficiency, and obviously the place is beautiful. The openings are huge so no problem with light which is mainly natural – a real positive point. Plenty of room to work there, electrical outlets and above all an efficient wifi.” – Nicolas.

https://bibliothequeforney.wordpress.com

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6. Bibliothèque Mazarine

Address: 23 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris. 

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, closed Sunday. 

Nearest Metro station: Pont Neuf, Louvre Rivoli. 

Often topping lists of the most beautiful and highly-rated public libraries in Paris, Bibliothèque Mazarine is located in the 6th arrondissement on Paris’ lively left bank, right near the Louvre. The oldest public library in France, it is part museum, part library, and located within the Institut de France. The Mazarine houses over half a million volumes, many dating back to the 16th century. The library is open to the public upon a quick registration, however access is limited to a certain amount of visitors at a time. A one-year pass is affordable and a great investment.

Review: “Amazingly beautiful public library from 17th century. Absolutely open, you can use it for study or work, there’s wifi and plugs. Access is free on the first five days or you can buy a 1-year pass for €15. Staff is very kind.” – Facundo.

http://www.bibliotheque-mazarine.fr

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7. Médiathèque Françoise Sagan

Address: 8 rue Léon Schwartzenberg, 75010 Paris.

Opening hours: Closed Monday, Tuesday 1pm-7pm, Wednesday 10am-7pm, Thursday 1pm-7pm, Friday 1pm-7pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 1pm-6pm.

Nearest Metro station: Gare de l’Est. 

Much like so many of its five-star reviews exclaim, the Médiathèque Françoise Sagan is a hidden gem of a library, a slice of serenity in this busy city and nestled within a building that would be at home on the French Riviera. Located in the 10th arrondissement a stone’s throw from Gare de L’est station, the large library is home to over 100,000 books and documents, and regularly holds events within its bright and breezy modern interiors. What sets this apart from other libraries in Paris is the inclusion of its calming outdoor space, fringed by palms, which is a beautiful place to take a breather. 

Review: “A breathtaking exterior, you wonder if you’re really in Paris, it’s so reminiscent of a place in the Mediterranean! Modern media library, welcoming and calm staff (I went there on a Friday at the end of the afternoon).” – Shiba.

https://mediathequeducarresaintlazare.wordpress.com

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8. Bibliothèque de l’Arsenal

Address: 1 Rue de Sully, 75004 Paris. 

Opening hours: Monday 2pm-7pm, Tuesday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, closed Sunday. 

Nearest Metro station: Sully-Morland. 

One of the branches of the National Library of France, the Bibliothèque de l’Arsenal is a centuries-old library with a vast collection of medieval manuscripts and prints, most of its collections in French. While the library isn’t a public library in the sense the others on our list are – in that you must purchase a pass, attain a reader’s card and have an informal interview with a librarian – there are still three reading rooms to utilise in this historical buildings if you are lucky enough to be granted access. It is located just blocks from the Place de la Bastille on the edge of La Marais. 

Review: “This place is amazing! A wonderful location for research and studies. Most books are in French.” – Amber.

 https://www.bnf.fr/fr/la_bnf/sites/a.site_bibliotheque_arsenal.html

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What is your favourite library in Paris?

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