The Sainte-Barbe library: a free place to study with a view of the Panthéon

Rue Valette, in the 5th arrondissement, not far from the famous Sainte-Geneviève library, the Sainte-Barbe library is more discreet, and for good reason: it recently reopened following extensive renovation work. Combining living and working spaces, reading rooms and a wide range of services for students, the Sainte-Barbe library is a must for any student looking for a place to study for their annual exams.

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The building has stood the test of time since 1460, when the Collège Sainte-Barbe was founded, and remained a college until 1998. It wasn't until 2004 that this former boys' boarding school became a library, keeping its name. After extensive renovations, the building was opened to students for the first time in 2009, providing over 1,000 study spaces.

However, to study here, you must meet certain conditions: you must be studying for a bachelor's degree, preparatory class or master's degree in the public sector only. When you register for the first time, you will be issued with a card that will allow you to access the library,borrow books free of charge, use thereproduction area (free scans, photocopies for a fee)... The library has a number of reading rooms, with computer workstations freely available if required, a press room and meeting rooms for up to eight people, which can be reserved for group work. To complete its services, the BSB also offers the loan of laptops (for a period of three weeks) and includes access for people with reduced mobility, as well as self-service remote magnifiers for the visually impaired.

There's also an attractive cafeteria area on site, with a range of food services, plenty of seating and tables, and a microwave if you want to heat up a dish from home. You can also borrow board games to play with friends during your lunch break. The BSB is open every day, Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., as well as on some Sunday afternoons during exam revision periods.