Using Libraries in France.

Start with JARI.

French libraries and médiathèques are a wonderful — and often underrated — resource for newcomers: free study spaces, book and film lending, online resources, and valuable help for learning French. The JARI community and Professional Services show you how to sign up and get the most out of this network near you.

What you'll find.

• Free lending of books, comics, and magazines, often also CDs, DVDs, and games.
• Quiet study and reading spaces — perfect for students.
• Free wifi and computer stations.
• Digital resources (e-books, press, self-learning, sometimes language courses) accessible remotely with your card.
• FLE shelves (French as a foreign language): methods, easy readers, to progress.

Signing up (it's simple).

Registration is free or low-cost at municipal libraries. You generally need:

• an ID,
• a recent proof of address.

You leave with a reader's card giving access to lending and the online resources of your city's network.

The network to know.

• Municipal libraries (one or more per city, networked).
• In Paris, the Bpi (public information library, at Beaubourg), free and no registration to work on-site, and the BnF for research.
• Many médiathèques offer events: workshops, story time for children, talks, conversation clubs.

A great asset for learning French.

Borrow easy-French books, FLE methods, and audiobooks; enjoy free conversation clubs and online self-learning resources. It's an ideal — and free — complement to a language course.

Good to know.

Respect the due dates (late returns lead to penalties or lending blocks). Many services (reservations, renewals) are managed online. Hours vary: check before heading out.

Get support.

Finding the nearest médiathèque, signing up, spotting FLE resources and conversation clubs: ask the JARI community to make the most of this free service.

Going further.

Round it out with Choosing a French school, Campus life, and the codes of café & art of living.

Useful links.

• Bibliothèques de la Ville de Paris
• BnF