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Admission to the reading rooms and reader’s cards rates

Reference Library: admission and reader’s cards rates

The Reference library (François Mitterrand Library, Haut-de-jardin level) is open to anyone 16 years of age and over. Registration and readers' cards are only available at the reception desk in the East  hall of the Library.

Before buying a reader’s card

  • Check with the Readers' Guidance Service (Service d’orientation des lecteurs) that the documentation required is actually available in the Reference library's reading rooms (Haut-de-jardin level).
  • Using the display screens near the pay desks, please check that there are places available in the reading rooms .

Two reader’s cards

  • 1 day card on sale at the pay desks in the East hall (hall Est ).
    This card is valid for all reading rooms and is needed each time you enter a room. You may enter and leave the rooms as often as you need to, within the same day.
  • Annual card , issued by the Reception desks in the East hall, on presentation of identification.
    It is strictly for personal use and valid for one year from the issue date. It includes free access to exhibitions organized by the BnF.

Reader’s cards rates

In force from 1st october 2011

Reader’s cards rates
Type of reader’s cards Full rate Reduced rate
1 day card 3,50 € -
Annual card 38 € 20 €
The admission is free after 5 p.m. or all day long with an exhibition ticket of the day.

To be noted

We charge 2 € to replace lost or forgotten cards

On presentation of supporting documents, reduced rates for :

  • Students aged less than 35, excluding non-degree students
  • Young people aged 16 to 25
On presentation of supporting documents, exemptions for:
  • Job seekers
  • Recipients of minimum work program income or welfare benefits
  • Visitors with disabilities
  • Escorts for visitors with disabilities
  • Students at the Ecole nationale des Chartes, the ENSSIB and the Institut national du Patrimoine who are completing internships in libraries, museums and national heritage services
  • Individuals from any category (civil servants and contractual employees) employed by a French public institution who hold scientific or technical posts in libraries, museums, archives or national heritage services.
  • Staff employed by the BnF and retired former employees

Monday, April 30, 2012