Municipal special libraries

Service

Updated on 03/06/2025

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Town Hall Library
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In addition to the lending libraries, there are 16 heritage and specialized libraries, open to all, with an exceptional wealth of documentation (6.5 million documents) thanks to the originality and rarity of their collections, some of which benefit from first-rate architectural surroundings.

An exceptional documentary network

The variety of fields covered and the originality and rarity of their collections make Paris' specialized libraries an exceptional documentary network.

Open to the public, they offer access to a unique heritage and top-level specialized documentation in extremely diverse fields: architecture and urban planning; cinema, television and video art; law and social sciences; history; art history; literary history; detective fiction; children's literature; the book trade; music; theater; tourism and travel; feminist and gender history.

Sign up

Access to the City of Paris' specialized and heritage libraries is open to anyone of legal age or holding a baccalaureate who wishes to research the collections.

Registration is by presentation:

  • valid proof of identity (national identity card, passport, driver's license, residence permit)
  • family record book for minors
  • a professional card for City of Paris employees registering with the Bibliothèque de l'Hôtel de Ville (BHdV).
This form, duly signed, will be kept at the library for archiving purposes (remember to keep a copy).
Minors can be accommodated in certain establishments.
Please note: if you wish to visit the Town Hall Library, please bring your identity card with you.
A library card will be issued to all new users, giving them access to the entire network of Paris special libraries.

Document consultation

All libraries offer on-site consultation. Some libraries lend out part of their collections:

Other specialized libraries

The central library of the conservatories of the City of Paris

On-site consultation is open to all (no photocopying).
Loans are reserved for students and teachers at Paris municipal conservatories and the CNR, as well as music teachers at Paris schools.
For 3 years, it remains open to former students and teachers of these conservatories.
How to register for a loan: students must show their conservatory card, and teachers must show their professional card or conservatory certificate. Former students or teachers must provide their old card and proof of address.
Palais Galliera - musée de la Mode de Paris
12 place carrée
75001 PARIS
Complément d'adresse Forum des Halles
Métro
Les Halles, ligne 4
Velib
Station 1008, allee andre breton Station 2002, 32 rue etienne marcel Station 2005, 46 rue de montmartre

The Maison de Balzac library

Free on-site consultation on presentation of ID. Information by post. Access to the library is via the museum.
Bus
Bus n°32, 50, 70, 72
RER
RER C stations Boulainvilliers ou Radio France - stations fermées pour travaux jusqu'au 24 août
Métro
Passy, ligne 6 - station fermée pour travaux jusqu'au 1er septembre : bus de remplacement La Muette, ligne 9
Velib
Station 16112, 1 Station 16022, 16 rue jean bologne Station 16024, 4 rue ranelagh devant rer

The library at the Maison de Victor Hugo

By appointment only - consultation on site. Located in the Hôtel de Rohan-Guéménée, which houses the Maison de Victor Hugo, the library is above the apartment where Victor Hugo lived from 1832 to 1848.
Palais Galliera - musée de la Mode de Paris
6 place des Vosges
75004 PARIS
Bus
20, 29, 69, 76, 96
Métro
Chemin Vert, ligne 8, Bastille, Saint-Paul, ligne 1
Velib
Station 4107, 27 boulevard beaumarchais Station 3002, 26 rue saint gilles Station 3013, 36 rue de sevigne

The Galliera Specialized Library

Open to researchers, teachers, students (universities, fashion schools), fashion and entertainment professionals. By appointment only, call 01 56 52 86 48. Access to the library is via the museum.
Palais Galliera - musée de la Mode de Paris
10 avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie
75016 Paris
Métro
Iéna, ligne 9
Velib
Station 16015, 1 rue de bassano Station 8046, 2 rue marceau Station 16007, 4 rue de longchamp

The Archives Library

Open to all (with proof of identity), the library offers on-site consultation, information by correspondence and a photocopying service for unbound books. On Saturdays, use of the library is restricted to usuals, microfilms and original documents reserved no later than the previous Wednesday.
Palais Galliera - musée de la Mode de Paris
18 boulevard Sérurier
75019 PARIS
Métro
Porte des Lilas, ligne 3bis,11
Velib
Station 19037, 304 rue de belleville Station 20110, face 241 avenue gambetta Station 20029, 57 rue des freres flavien