Discover Paris’ hidden gems through its libraries: architectural marvels, rich histories, and a love for literature await you in the City of Light.
One look at the libraries of Paris is enough to understand the city’s love and near-worship of literature and the power of the written word.
Library of the French National Assembly
Located in the Palais Bourbon, the Library of the French National Assembly was established at the end of the 18th century. Although a virtual tour of the Palais Bourbon, including the library, has been available for some time, in-person visits have been restricted to researchers and members of parliament.
However, after a year of renovation, the library will be officially opened to the public on April 10, 2025. This is good news for both bibliophiles and art lovers, as the library features five domes, each with a soaring ceiling adorned with magnificent paintings by Eugène Delacroix, a famous 19th-century artist.
BnF Richelieu (Salle Labrouste & Salle Ovale)
The BnF (short for Bibliothèque nationale de France) Richelieu houses two jaw-droppingly stunning libraries: the Salle Labrouste and the Salle Ovale. The Salle Labrouste has high ceilings supported by cast-iron columns built in the 1860s, creating a sense of spaciousness and natural majesty. Unfortunately, only researchers are allowed inside, while tourists must settle for peering in from the entryway.
Meanwhile, the Salle Ovale has an expansive, oval-shaped skylight surrounded by mosaics and intricate design elements in the ceiling. Visitors are free to explore and access its materials, including a collection of 9,000 comics from around the world—Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and beyond.
Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève
If you love Salle Labrouste, you’ll love Sainte-Geneviève Library because it was designed by the same architect. Opened in 1851, it was the first public building in France specifically built to be a library.
Much like Salle Labrouste, its architecture features slender, exposed cast-iron columns and intricately designed arches.
As a nod to its literary design, the names of 810 famous writers are inscribed on the building’s façade. The library houses a collection of over 1.5 million documents in French, though its oldest Biblical manuscripts are, naturally, in Latin.
Bibliothèque de l’Arsenal
This national library is housed in the former residence of the Grand Master of Artillery. It holds over a million items, including prints, manuscripts, and rare old books (all in French). Of particular note are its historic archives of the Bastille, its records on various artists and writers, and its collection of occult works.
Despite its imposing exterior, the interior is surprisingly comfortable, with subtle, intricate details like the sculpted ceiling moldings that might go unnoticed in grander venues.
Bibliothèque Mazarine
The Bibliothèque Mazarine is France’s oldest public library. Founded by Cardinal Mazarin in 1643, it opened to scholars with the hope of giving people free access to knowledge.
Today, it houses over 600,000 volumes. The reading room is a 17th-century piece of art, with Grecian columns supporting a second level of bookshelves and marble busts lining the room. Even today, it fulfills its original purpose of educating students and researchers. Casual visitors can stroll through the gallery, while guided tours of the library are available at the end of the day.
Bibliothèque de l’Hôtel de Ville (City Hall Library)
Also known as the City Hall Library for being housed in Paris City Hall, the Bibliothèque de l’Hôtel de Ville contains a wealth of municipal archives and historical documents. As one might expect from a library in city hall, it specializes in subjects that support society, like law and the social sciences.
Though damaged by a fire in 1871, it’s a beautiful example of neo-Renaissance architecture.
Bibliothèque Publique d’Information
This national public library, nicknamed BPI, offers free access to approximately 400,000 documents. Unlike traditional libraries, BPI doesn’t allow borrowing and has no storage areas, with all materials accessible on-site. It also offers workshops and services in French, English, and Spanish.
Although temporarily closed at the time of writing, the library will reopen in August 2025 at a new temporary location with a hip, modern design. It will return to its original premises once the full renovation is completed in 2030.
American Library in Paris
Longing for a bit of English during your visit to France? This 100-year-old library just so happens to be the biggest English-language library in continental Europe. Seated near the Eiffel Tower, it houses over 100,000 items, including books, periodicals, and digital resources.
The library originated from books donated to American soldiers during World War I and has since become a literary center for expats and English speakers throughout Paris.
Bibliothèque Louise Walser-Gaillard
Named after Louise Walser-Gaillard, a deaf activist and poet from the late 19th and early 20th century, this library serves as one of the city’s hubs for those with hearing impairments. It provides services in both French and French Sign Language, such as for children’s story reading times and cultural events. Aside from books and magazines, it has a decent selection of games and puzzles for visitors to peruse as they please.
Though the library is relatively new, it’s set in a historic mansion. It offers an elegant space for readers with a clean mix of classical and modern elements.
Bibliothèque-musée de l’Opéra
Fans of the opera, your time has come! This library-museum is a true monument to Parisian opera, housed in the Palais Garnier, an opulent 19th-century opera house with luxuriant décor. It holds about 600,000 documents, including books, musical scores, and prints. That’s not counting the 3,000 or so paintings, costumes, and set models, preserving three centuries of opera and dance history.
Only those conducting actual research or journalism can get inside the reading room, but everyone else can visit the museum section with a ticket costing 15 euros.
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K Lou
K. Lou is a writer born in the U.S. who found her way to Japan through a spiritual calling—or, more precisely, better access to tea. She writes about travel, culture, and the occasional creative piece, inspired by her enduring love of books. This love began in high school when K. Lou carried books around to avoid seeming odd while lost in thought. Once she started reading, she never stopped. With zero regrets, she continues to explore the written word and invites others to join her in celebrating its varied forms.
