The Richelieu branch of the National Library of France in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris reopened in September 2022 after 10 years of construction.
The fact that this is a public space, that is, a public place that can be used for free,
I feel France's cultural strength and its determination to work towards social welfare.
You can see what it's like inside on YouTube live by Brand Julie Nakagawa, the owner. If you haven't seen it yet, please take a look.
This time, we will share some information that we were unable to explain during the YouTube Live broadcast.
We would like to cover this as a Paris report.
[YouTube Live is here]

First, there is the Salle Oval.
Anyone can use it freely without any registration or reservation.
There is free Wi-Fi and a desk.
It would be great to be able to work or study in a place like this.
Why not try using it during your trip?

There is also a sofa corner.
You can also choose a book from the bookshelf and spread it out here.
By the way, this Sal Oval is,
It is famous for its collection of 9,000 BDs (hardcover French manga, known as bédées).
Apparently they deliberately collected BDs in a place that anyone could use freely.

And here are the stairs that caused so much controversy.
The original 18th century marble staircase was removed,
It was newly built to increase the freedom of space.
He was criticized from all sides, with people saying, "How dare you erase history!"
However, when I saw it for the first time, I was impressed that there had never been a more successful example of renovation that had increased the value of a historic building to this extent.
A light, ribbon-like staircase without any supports.
It is made of steel and aluminum.
Kudos to the architect, Bruno Godin!

The garden was designed by Gilles Clement, a landscape architect who also designed the gardens of the Quai Branly Museum.
I saw a drawing of the finished garden, which would be completed in five years, pending the plants' growth, and it looked like a truly lush, dreamy space.
What kind of garden will be born in 2027? I'm looking forward to seeing it.
The library also houses a cafe (Rose Bakery) and an art museum.
During your next visit to Paris,
Why not stop by for a bit?

The Richelieu Library is, in a sense, the former National Library of France.
The new, fully functioning National Library of France is located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, commonly known as the François Mitterrand National Library.
Designed by architect Dominique Perrault.
The courtyard is also a hidden cherry blossom spot.
This facility is also free for anyone to use and has free Wi-Fi.
There is also a display of Louis XIV's terrestrial and celestial globes! Of course, this is also a recommended place.
It's also an architectural masterpiece!
National Library of France, Richelieu
https://www.bnf.fr/fr/richelieu
François Mitterrand National Library
https://www.bnf.fr/fr
Until next time,
Avianto!
Keiko SUMINO-LEBLANC
Paris-based writer/coordinator, Japanese-French translator
He moved to Paris in 1997.
After getting married and raising children in Paris, she is now working as a freelance writer and coordinator. As a journalist specializing in food and lifestyle,
He has contributed to numerous magazines and media outlets in France and Japan, and has also co-authored a book as a translator.