The Public Information Library Relocates to Paris, Transfer En Route!
The Public Information Library (BPI) has relocated to a new home, taking up residence on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Lumière building in the Bercy neighbourhood. This modern glass and steel structure, standing tall for approximately thirty years, now houses not only the BPI but also various offices, a ministerial office, a business school, restaurants, and cafes.
Emmanuel Payen, the Director of Cultural Development & Cinemas at the BPI, has played a significant role in this transition. Besides his duties at the BPI, Payen serves as the Deputy Managing Director (Directeur Général Adjoint) of Bpifrance, where he contributes to managing the institution's operations and strategy.
The BPI, committed to providing access to knowledge for all, has extended its opening hours to include weekends and public holidays, except for May 8. This extended accessibility aligns with the library's mission to engage with the world today and explore our relationship with it.
The move was meticulously prepared by teams over nearly two years. During this time, hundreds of thousands of books and documents were carefully transferred to the new location, which spans 8,200 square meters within the Lumière building.
Despite the absence of the usual blue pipes and steel beams, the new location may initially surprise some. However, Emmanuel Payen views this move as an opportunity to forge new partnerships and reach broader audiences.
It's important to note that the BPI remains an entirely free and open-access library, focusing on current affairs rather than heritage. Its cultural programming extends beyond its physical walls, engaging in dialogue with its vast collection of printed materials to create thought-provoking exhibitions and events.
In an effort to manage its space more effectively, the BPI plans to reduce its collections by 17%. This decision, while necessary, does not diminish the library's commitment to providing access to knowledge for all. Instead, it signifies a new chapter in the BPI's mission, one that promises to continue breaking boundaries and fostering a deeper understanding of our world.
