The BnF

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.
To be noted

'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
  • Only “cabin” baggages (55cm × 35cm × 25cm) are allowed within the BnF premises.
The public must stop at the cloakrooms before entering the reading rooms located at the Richelieu Library. Luggage lockers are available just near the entrance hall (please bring a one or two euro coin).

Priority access is allowed to the readers of the Research Library (Rez-de-jardin level), the people with disabilities, pregnant women and users over 60.
Please pay attention to the signage created for that purpose.

Haut-de-jardin Library: admission and reader’s cards rates

The Haut-de-jardin level is open to anyone 16 years of age and over. Readers can buy their passes for the Haut-de-Jardin Library in the East Hall. The Pass BnF lecture / culture is also available online.The entrance is free after 5 p.m.
The  Pass BnF lecture / culture provides unlimited access  to the reading rooms of the Reference Library, but also to the exhibitions, concerts and shows organized at the BnF.

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 Haut-de-jardin library's reading rooms.
  • Using the display screens near the pay desks, please check that there are places available in the reading rooms .
See also

Affluence des salles de lecture de la Bibliothèque du Haut-de-jardin

Reader’s cards rates

In force from 1st march 2017

Reader’s cards rates
Type of reader’s cards Rate
Pass BnF lecture / culture 15 €
1 day card 3,90 €
Card lecture 5pm to 8pm Free

Online purchase

It is also possible to buy the Pass BnF lecture / culture via the online registration and ticketing website. Then, the Pass is available at the reception desk of the François-Mitterrand Library (East Hall) on presentation of valid proof identity.

To be noted

We charge 2 € to replace lost or forgotten cards
A specific subscription is proposed to private or public companies or institutions: the 'carte Pro'.
For more info

Carte Pro

Exemptions

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

Peak hours in the reading rooms

During certain periods of the year, the reading rooms of the Haut-de-jardin Library are largely frequented.

The Affluences application, available for free on iPhone and Android, allows to know in real time the occupancy rate of libraries in Paris.

So far as the Haut-de-jardin Library, Affluences indicates, for each reading room, the current occupancy rate and forecasts half an hour by half an hour. Data are updates every five minutes.
See

Reading rooms opening hours: Haut-de-jardin level

Download

Logo Affluences l’application Affluences

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

Room I, housing the CNLJ - La Joie par les livres, is open to children during the week-ends and during the school holidays of the C Zone (Créteil, Montpellier, Paris, Toulouse, Versailles). They must be accompanied by an adult in possession of a valid reader's card, up to a limit of three children by adult. Access is free for chidren.

Thursday, April 6, 2017

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