By Ljiljana Maletin Vojvodić //

We continue our series on libraries with a story about the French National Library (BnF), the François Mitterrand Library (Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand), located on the banks of the Seine River in Paris. It is an important place for book lovers and researchers, as well as for anyone interested in modern architecture and the cultural life of the French capital.

Location and Architecture

The National Library of France is named after French President François Mitterrand, who led the country from 1981 to 1995. It was officially opened in 1996 by then-President Jacques Chirac.

The library is recognizable by its four towers shaped like open books. These towers contain seven floors of offices and eleven floors for storing library materials. Movable wooden shutters protect the books from light and create a special atmosphere inside the library, combining aesthetics with preservation.

The glass towers are not only “open books” but also a metaphor for spreading the light of knowledge. In one part of the library, the lighting is designed to resemble passing through the pages of a book.

This modern architectural complex represents a blend of functionality and symbolism and is considered one of the most important cultural landmarks in France.

Public and Research Library

The library consists of two main sections: the public library, open to everyone aged 14 and older, and the research library, intended for academic and professional users. The public section operates from Tuesday to Saturday, while the research library is also open on Mondays. Tickets are required for access to the reading rooms and the rich cultural program, available for purchase onsite or online.

The special „BnF Pass Lecture/Culture“ grants unlimited access to reading rooms, exhibitions, concerts, and other events, costing €24, with discounts available for visitors under 26 and students under 35. There is also a Research Pass for scholars, priced at €55 (€35 concession).

Collections and Services

The library holds an impressive collection of around 49 million documents — books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and digital resources. Users can reserve seats in reading rooms, access electronic databases, work in groups, and attend workshops and training sessions.

It also offers various amenities such as lockers for personal belongings, mobile seats for people with disabilities, and baby changing facilities.

Due to security measures, visitors are only allowed to bring small bags or personal luggage that fits within cabin baggage dimensions of 55 x 35 x 25 cm.

A City Within a City

Because of its size, the library complex includes offices, reading rooms, a bookstore, a café, and even spaces for relaxation and socializing. Some call it a „small city“ because it offers almost everything a user might need.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Free areas outside the reading rooms are open to visitors, and the public library reading rooms offer free entry from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The library provides mobile seats called flâneuses®, which enable comfortable access for visitors with reduced mobility, demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusivity.

Cultural Significance

Beyond its core library function, the François Mitterrand Library is a cultural center hosting exhibitions, concerts, and various artistic programs.

The National Library of France, of which this site is part, is the guardian of French cultural heritage, and by law, all publications released in the country must be deposited at the BnF.