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Admission to the reading rooms and reader’s cards rates

The Haut-de-jardin level (François-Mitterrand Library) is open to anyone 16 years of age and over. Entrance to the  Research Library (François-Mitterrand, Richelieu-Louvois, Arsenal and Opera libraries) housing the heritage collections, is limited to accredited users.

Reference Library: admission and reader’s cards rates

Readers can buy their passes for the Haut-de-Jardin Library in the East Hall. The entrance is free of charge from 5 p.m.
'Attack level' Vigipirate plan
Until further notice:
  • Please bring a valid proof of identity to enter the library
  • The West entrance of François-Mitterrand library is closed
  • Voluminous luggages, suitcases and bags won't be accepted any longer within the BnF's sites.

Children access to room I (National Centre for youth literature)

Room I (National Centre for youth literature) is open to families on Saturdays and Sundays. Access is free for chidren under 16 years of age. They must be accompanied by an adult in possession of a valid reader's card, up to a limit of three children by adult.

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.
A specific subscription is proposed to private or public companies or institutions: the 'carte Pro'.
See also

Carte Pro

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.
Entrance is free from July 6 to August 31 and after 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday

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

To be noted

Owners of following valid passes can buy at a reduced rate the reader's card providing access to the Bibliothèque Haut-de-jardin and the exhibitions.
  • Libre Pass Cinémathèque
  • Jeu de Paume passes
  • Maison européenne de la Photographie passes
  • Odéon-Théâtre de l'Europe passes
For more info

Offres partenaires et tarifs préférentiels

Renewing your subscription online

If you hold an annual reader pass for the Haut-de-Jardin level, you can renew your subscription online.
For more info

Renouveler sa carte en ligne

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

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