Cool French Library

Cardinal Richelieu had such an outsized influence on France during his career (reign?) that streets and buildings are named after him. It’s always surprising to realize he was a real person and not just the villain of a story about those four musketeers.

On the Rue de Richelieu in Paris, you can find what used to be the National Library of France. (The actual National Library is now located elsewhere, and this is a library/museum) As someone who reads a lot of books, if I were to live in Paris, I’d be in that place reading any chance I had. Look at the ceiling on this thing!

Skylights the Best Lights

I planned to wake up early and head to the place so I could chill out and read for a bit, but I woke up late (jetlag… or soul delay?) so was unable to find a spot to sit down. All of the seats and tables were filled, and the people there didn’t seem to be the types to get up and leave any time soon.

Normal Ass Library

It was a lovely day in Paris when I was there. The sun fell through the glass ceiling providing the perfect illumination for reading. The temperature was a little warm what with the ceiling being made of glass, but nothing too uncomfortable. The people quietly read or browsed the computers. Many of the books lining the central reading area and the walls were reference books. Readers brought their own books to just bask in the area and read.

I would have liked to see it on a stormy day so I could watch the rain fall onto the ceiling. I could see myself being fascinated by that for many hours.

I didn’t spend much time there. With the seats being occupied and me being hungry, I moved along before too long. I look forward to returning so I can read a book on one of the comfortable chairs while enjoying the architecture.