1. Settle down like a movie

A free private movie session, is it tempting? That’s what offers the library of Rennes Free Fields with its bookable «film box», a small private room with a large TV screen. Choose a movie from the catalogue, sit in the red chairs more real than nature, helmet on the ears, and let yourself be carried away!

2. Vibrate with esports

Rocket Bib is the first French cross-media championship, dedicated to the game Rocket League. During a tournament, your librarian turns into an esports coach who is fully reassembled to win his team. There are no plans for a championship this year, but libraries still have the option to host matches between them via the discord server of Rocket Bib. Get the facts!

3. Create, invent and manufacture

Want to try augmented reality, 3D printing or laser cutting? The fab lab at the Marguerite Duras library in Paris, is a large workshop equipped with all the necessary equipment to realize your creative projects, accompanied by specialized animators. Almost everything is possible in this place where creativity reigns supreme.

4. Decorate your walls 

In Villeurbanne, as in other cities, it is possible to borrow a work of art like borrowing a book. With more than 1,800 photographs, sculptures and engravings by contemporary artists, the art library offers a unique way to discover contemporary art. Being a member and 18 years old is enough to bring home an original piece and give a fresh shot to its decoration.

5. Stargazing

Big Dipper, Little Dipper, Dragon, Lyre, Cassiopeia… is that what you’re talking about? In the four media libraries of Nantes, you don’t have to be familiar with constellations to borrow a sky observation kit. In these briefcases, binoculars, maps and educational guides to discover the sky.

6. Learn about computer-aided music

Want to compose and record your own tracks? Computer-assisted music workshops, at the Vienna Library, allow you to start composing music with creative and mixing software, supervised by professionals. Available for free from 12 years old, these workshops offer an unprecedented experience to explore the world of music.

7. Immerse yourself in the world of video games

From 25 to 30 September, the Press Start festival is back! Organized by the Public Information Library (Bpi) in Paris, it invites experienced gamers, amateurs or simply curious to play, participate in screenings and experiences around a theme: the horrific video game. All the programming is to be found here.

8. Have a green thumb

More and more libraries offer the barter of flower seeds, fruits and vegetables and plant cuttings. In Lyon alone, for example, nine libraries have set up a grainothèque. Some rules are to be respected, such as that of depositing only organic seeds. Then, there is nothing more than to borrow, sow, harvest… and drop again!

9. Test different instruments

Between the guitar and the recorder, your heart swings? If you want to test several instruments before making your choice, the libraries of Paris, Rennes, Lyon and other cities in France allow you to borrow guitars, keyboards, percussions and even electronic instruments. In Bordeaux, for example, try the theremin, stylophone or Joué Play, a local creation. 

10. Change your skin

To slip into the shoes of a mystical creature or a historical character, for an evening: this is the principle of role-playing. In Paris, the Louise Michel library brings together dozens of players around this activity. One criterion, to participate: not be afraid to make the collective imagination work.