Come Alone by Meet & Mint Events you can go to on your own

Library nights · Rouen

Library events in Rouen, walk in alone.

37 upcoming free programs at 6 library venues in Rouen — book clubs, talks, workshops and more. No booking for most, and nobody asks why you came on your own.

See the venues All events in Rouen

Venue by venue

Libraries in Rouen and what's on

Bibliothèque Simone de Beauvoir (12) · Bibliothèque Émilie-du-Châtelet (11) · Bibliothèque Parment (6) · Bibliothèque Aretha-Franklin (4) · Bibliothèque Amélie-Bosquet (2) · Bibliothèque Madeleine-Riffaud (2)

Bibliothèque Simone de Beauvoir12 upcoming

Sat31Oct
Free
SocialRouen
11:00–13:00

Horror brunch: swap scary-book tips at a Rouen library

Bibliothèque Simone de Beauvoir

On Halloween morning the Simone de Beauvoir library in Rouen invites fans of horror, and the merely curious, to a convivial brunch about scary books: classics, novels or comics, everyone talks about their latest favourite and leaves with a list of recommendations. Drinks are provided and you can bring a sandwich. Free, with registration through the library website. «Brunch de l’horreur» Starts 11:00, ends about 13:00. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Sat9Jan
Free
CultureRouen
15:00–16:00

Documentary and Talk on Dancing Through Ageing in Rouen

Bibliothèque Simone de Beauvoir

The Simone de Beauvoir library screens a short bilingual documentary about four Montreal dancer-choreographers facing how time changes their bodies, followed by a conversation about dance. It is free with registration. A talk after a film gives you something to share with the people sitting next to you.

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R
Sat16Jan
Free
MusicRouen
17:00–18:15

Bourvil song cabaret with a pop-up choir at a city library, Rouen

Bibliothèque Simone de Beauvoir

A cabaret of humour, poetry and tenderness built on the famous songs of Bourvil, the much-loved Norman singer. Amélie Affagard and the Chorale Ephémère sing, backed by violins, viola, cello, double bass, clarinet, electric guitar and keyboard, with instrumental surprises between the songs. A slow, gentle Saturday-evening hour in a neighbourhood library. Free, registration through the libraries' agenda. «Bourvil Cabaret» Starts 17:00, ends about 18:15. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Sat23Jan
Free
LearningRouen
10:00–12:00

Rouen Libraries' Book Club: Birds in Literature

Bibliothèque Simone de Beauvoir

The city libraries' reading club meets on a Saturday morning to swap favourites and critiques around a theme, and January's theme is birds in literature. Bring a book you loved or simply come to listen. It is free with registration, and a themed swap is an easy way to talk with strangers.

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Sat23Jan
Free
MusicRouen
13:30–14:15

Musical siesta with a singing librarian and a ukulele, Rouen

Bibliothèque Simone de Beauvoir

For the library's «slow down» day, settle into a comfortable chair after lunch and listen to a librarian sing, accompanied only by her ukulele: a calm, restful three-quarters of an hour carried by a voice and a few notes. All ages are welcome, and it is an easy, gentle thing to do alone on a Saturday. Free, registration through the libraries' agenda. «Sieste musicale» Starts 13:30, ends about 14:15. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Sat30Jan
Free
SocialRouen
10:00–12:00

Saturday Board Games at Simone de Beauvoir Library, Rouen

Bibliothèque Simone de Beauvoir

The library sets out a wide range of board games to discover with friends, family or new acquaintances. This session has a special theme tied to the semester's topic, slowing down. It is free with registration, and a shared game table quickly turns strangers into teammates.

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Sat30Jan
Free
CultureRouen
14:30–16:30

«Génération Body Horror»: two authors on the genre, Rouen

Bibliothèque Simone de Beauvoir

Do you like it when it cracks, warps, tears and reveals bodily monstrosities? Then you are a body-horror fan, and this afternoon is for you. As part of the Mycéliades science-fiction festival, researcher Fleur Hopkins-Loféron and novelist Morgane Caussarieu present their book «Génération Body Horror», tracing the sub-genre from Cronenberg to today's literature and cinema, with questions from the floor. At the Simone de Beauvoir library on the left bank of the Seine. Free; register through the Rouen libraries website. «Génération Body Horror» Starts 14:30, ends about 16:30. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Fri5Feb
Free
CultureRouen
18:00–19:00

Géos du Noir crime-fiction evening at Beauvoir library, Rouen

Bibliothèque Simone de Beauvoir

Rouen's crime-fiction festival Géos du Noir returns in February, and the Simone de Beauvoir library on the left bank hosts one of its author evenings: an hour of conversation with a crime or noir writer, whose name is revealed on the festival site (festivalgeosdunoir.com) shortly before. Expect talk about plots, places and the dark side of the genre, then a chance to ask questions and get a book signed. Friday at six, so it slots in after work. Free; register through the Rouen libraries website (bibliotheques.rouen.fr). «Le roman noir à l'honneur» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:00. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Fri12Feb
Free
SocialRouen
18:45–20:35

Costume movie night at Beauvoir library, Rouen

Bibliothèque Simone de Beauvoir

Modelled on the cult Rocky Horror Picture Show screenings, the Rouen libraries network stages another off-beat cinema evening: a rebuilt set, librarians in character and a night full of surprises around the comedy «Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis». Dressing up is encouraged, and joining in is the whole point. Friday at a quarter to seven at the Simone de Beauvoir library on the left bank. Free; register on the Rouen libraries website (bibliotheques.rouen.fr). «Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis» Starts 18:45, ends about 20:35. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Sat13Feb
Free
LearningRouen
14:00–17:00

Weaving on a Loom: Free Beginners' Workshop at a Rouen Library

Bibliothèque Simone de Beauvoir

A three-hour Saturday workshop to learn the basics of weaving on a hand loom at the Simone de Beauvoir library on Rouen's left bank. No experience is needed and the slow, hands-on format makes it easy to come alone and chat while you work. It is free, with registration via the library. «Tissage» Start time as published; the end time is approximate. Source: OpenAgenda public agendas via Opendatasoft — Licence Ouverte / Open Licence (Etalab).

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Sat20Feb
Free
LearningRouen
14:00–16:00

Paper-bird workshop from recycled book pages, Beauvoir library, Rouen

Bibliothèque Simone de Beauvoir

Turn pages of recycled books into decorative birds. Cutting, gluing and assembling give you an original creation to take home, and the librarians supply the paper, scissors and glue so there is nothing to bring. A calm, hands-on Saturday afternoon in the Simone de Beauvoir library on the left bank, for anyone who likes to make things with their hands in good company. Free, register on the Rouen libraries website (bibliotheques.rouen.fr). «Oiseaux de papier» Starts 14:00, ends about 16:00. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Sat20Feb
Free
CultureRouen
15:00–17:00

«Tangente»: a creation about taking a pause, Beauvoir library, Rouen

Bibliothèque Simone de Beauvoir

What would you do if someone paid for a real pause: not a long weekend or three days of holiday swallowed up in a flash, but two months to cut the engine? That is the proposal of an experiment between art and social science in which six randomly drawn entrepreneurs had two full months financed to stop everything. This afternoon at the Simone de Beauvoir library presents the creation drawn from that experience, a chance to ask yourself how hard it is to step off the treadmill. Saturday at three; free, register on the Rouen libraries website. «Tangente : une création autour de la pause» Starts 15:00, ends about 17:00. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Bibliothèque Émilie-du-Châtelet11 upcoming

Tue24Nov
Free
LearningRouen
17:30–18:30

Introduction to French Sign Language

Bibliothèque Émilie-du-Châtelet

An association of parents of deaf children gives a short introduction to French Sign Language at the library. It is free but registration is required; practising signs with the people next to you makes it naturally interactive.

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Tue1Dec
Free
LearningRouen
10:00–11:00

French Conversation Workshop at a Rouen Library

Bibliothèque Émilie-du-Châtelet

A friendly session for people learning French: participants chat over tea or coffee about everyday topics and all levels are welcome. It is free but the library asks you to sign up. A small conversation group is one of the easiest settings to meet new people when you arrive alone.

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Wed23Dec
Free
LearningRouen
15:00–17:00

Drop-In Knitting and Fabric Workshop at a Rouen Library

Bibliothèque Émilie-du-Châtelet

Join members of the Citémômes association to knit and sew pieces that will feed into their future exhibitions. The workshop is free and open to drop in between 3 and 5 pm, though registration is suggested. Working side by side on a shared project makes conversation come easily.

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Tue29Dec
Free
LearningRouen
10:00–11:00

French conversation hour for learners at a city library, Rouen

Bibliothèque Émilie-du-Châtelet

Learning French and new in Rouen? Even in the week between the holidays the Émilie-du-Châtelet library keeps its conversation hour: a small table, a cup of tea or coffee and an hour of relaxed talk with other learners. All levels are welcome, from shy beginners to confident speakers. Free; the library asks you to sign up through its online agenda (bibliotheques.rouen.fr). «Ateliers de conversation en français» Starts 10:00, ends about 11:00. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Tue26Jan
Free
LearningRouen
10:00–11:00

French conversation hour over tea at Châtelet library, Rouen

Bibliothèque Émilie-du-Châtelet

Learning French? The Émilie-du-Châtelet library on the Châtelet heights sets aside an hour on Tuesday morning for people who want to practise speaking: you sit down with a tea or coffee and simply talk, with a librarian keeping the conversation going. All levels are welcome, from first words to fluent-but-rusty, and nobody corrects you in front of the group. Free; places are limited, so register in advance through the Rouen libraries website (bibliotheques.rouen.fr). «Ateliers de conversation en français» Starts 10:00, ends about 11:00. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Tue2Feb
Free
LearningRouen
14:00–15:30

Déclics: how AI really works, at Châtelet library, Rouen

Bibliothèque Émilie-du-Châtelet

Before judging what today's AI can do, it helps to understand how it works. This Déclics session at the Émilie-du-Châtelet library walks through the history of the models behind generative AI, what separates them from other kinds of artificial intelligence, what deep learning makes possible, where the risks lie and why these systems consume so much energy, then shows by live demonstration how they interact with users. Plain French, no technical background needed, questions welcome. Free; register through the Rouen libraries website (bibliotheques.rouen.fr). «Déclics - IA : du renseignement à l'apprentissage automatisé» Starts 14:00, ends about 15:30. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Sat6Feb
Free
SocialRouen
14:00–16:00

Créathé: crochet afternoon at Châtelet library, Rouen

Bibliothèque Émilie-du-Châtelet

Once a month the Émilie-du-Châtelet library on the Châtelet heights opens its «créathèque», a swap shelf of craft supplies, and runs a Créathé workshop around one technique. On Saturday 6 February the project is a crocheted holder for a favourite photo: hooks, yarn and patient help are provided, and complete beginners are expected. It is sociable by nature, two hours around one table with tea, and regulars bring leftover materials to share. For everyone from age ten. Free, places limited, so register through the Rouen libraries website (bibliotheques.rouen.fr). «Créathé» Starts 14:00, ends about 16:00. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Tue9Feb
Free
LearningRouen
10:00–11:00

French Conversation over Tea at Bibliothèque Émilie-du-Châtelet, Rouen

Bibliothèque Émilie-du-Châtelet

Learning French? Rouen's Émilie-du-Châtelet library on the Châtelet square invites learners of every level to an hour of conversation over tea or coffee. The relaxed format is made for arriving on your own and simply talking. It is free, and the library asks you to sign up in advance. «Ateliers de conversation en français» Start time as published; the end time is approximate. Source: OpenAgenda public agendas via Opendatasoft — Licence Ouverte / Open Licence (Etalab).

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Fri19Feb
Free
LearningRouen
09:00–11:30

SOS Paperasse: free paperwork help at Châtelet library, Rouen

Bibliothèque Émilie-du-Châtelet

Whether you live in Rouen or not, the social workers and volunteers of SOS Paperasse welcome you at the Châtelet library to help with administrative procedures, digital or on paper, and no appointment is needed. Foreigners' rights, renewing a disability file, applying for social housing, pensions: every request is welcome. For a newcomer facing French forms this is one of the most practical free mornings in town. Friday from nine to half past eleven; free. «SOS Paperasse» Starts 09:00, ends about 11:30. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Sat20Feb
Free
SocialRouen
10:00–12:00

«Cannibales lecteurs» book club, Châtelet library, Rouen

Bibliothèque Émilie-du-Châtelet

You like reading and talking about it? Join the Rouen libraries' book club, «Cannibales lecteurs», to share your favourite reads and your critical opinions with other readers. Each session has its own theme, and the group meets on Saturday morning at the Châtelet library, two hours with coffee-shop energy and plenty of reading tips to take home. Free; register on the Rouen libraries website (bibliotheques.rouen.fr). In French. «Cannibales lecteurs» Starts 10:00, ends about 12:00. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Tue23Feb
Free
LearningRouen
10:00–11:00

French conversation café at Rouen library

Bibliothèque Émilie-du-Châtelet

Rouen's Émilie-du-Châtelet library invites people who are learning French to chat over a tea or coffee, with every level welcome. It is a gentle way to practise and meet others who are new to the city. Free, with registration through the library. «Ateliers de conversation en français» Starts 10:00, ends about 11:00. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Bibliothèque Parment6 upcoming

Sat12Dec
Free
LearningRouen
14:00–16:00

Talk: Body Clocks, Chronobiology and Sleep

Bibliothèque Parment

Damien Davenne, professor emeritus at the University of Caen, explains the science of the body's rhythms: how sleep works, the sleep-wake cycle and the effects of shifted working hours. It is free with registration. A popular-science talk with questions makes for easy conversation with other attendees.

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Sat23Jan
Free
LearningRouen
10:00–12:00

Embroider new life into old clothes at Parment library, Rouen

Bibliothèque Parment

With a needle and thread, give your clothes a second life: an old favourite top you no longer dare wear, a plain jacket that could do with brightening up. Bring them to the Parment library on Saturday morning and embroider together with the librarians and other participants, beginners included. A quiet, chatty two hours in a neighbourhood library on the left bank. Free, registration through the libraries' agenda. «Broderie» Starts 10:00, ends about 12:00. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Tue26Jan
Free
SocialRouen
17:00–19:00

Slow video games evening at Parment library, Rouen

Bibliothèque Parment

On the last Tuesday of every month the Parment library hands over its consoles for two hours of play. This winter the Rouen libraries are running a season on the theme «ralentir», slowing down, so the games chosen are the quiet kind: dreamlike walks, exploration, contemplation and soft music rather than shooting and racing. You take turns on the controllers, chat with other players and discover titles you would never pick yourself. Adults welcome. Free; register in advance via bibliotheques.rouen.fr as places are limited. «À vous de jouer - jeux vidéo» Starts 17:00, ends about 19:00. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Sat30Jan
Free
SocialRouen
15:30–17:30

Pop-Culture Blind Test at Parment Library, Rouen

Bibliothèque Parment

Teams compete over four rounds of music from films, TV series, anime and video games from the 1980s to today. It is free but registration is required. Teams form on the spot, so it is a fun way to meet people when you come on your own.

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Thu11Feb
Free
LearningRouen
18:00–19:00

Talk: Transhumanism, Promises and Practices, at Bibliothèque Parment

Bibliothèque Parment

From the quest for immortality to today's longevity techniques, sociologist Cécilia Calheiros examines the nature and rise of transhumanism, the civilisation project it sketches and the place it leaves for human beings. The one-hour talk is at the Parment library in central Rouen. It is free with registration through the library. «Transhumanisme : promesses de mutations, réalités des pratiques» Start time as published; the end time is approximate. Source: OpenAgenda public agendas via Opendatasoft — Licence Ouverte / Open Licence (Etalab).

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Sat13Feb
Free
SocialRouen
20:00–23:00

Super Smash Bros esport night at Parment library, Rouen

Bibliothèque Parment

The Parment library stays open late for a Super Smash Bros tournament with the BH3 esport association, streamed online. Players enter through start.gg; anyone else can sign up as a spectator on the Rouen libraries website and watch the bracket play out on a big screen, which is a good way to learn a game scene without owning a controller. Guest Ayami Michelle, a singer, pianist and balloon sculptor from the anime and gaming world, is also expected. Free; Saturday from eight in the evening. «Tournoi esport» Starts 20:00, ends about 23:00. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Bibliothèque Aretha-Franklin4 upcoming

Wed2Dec
Free
SocialRouen
15:00–16:30

Inclusive Board-Game Afternoon in Rouen

Bibliothèque Aretha-Franklin

The library brings out a selection of adapted, cooperative games for everyone, with or without a disability, to play together. It is free with sign-up. Cooperative games put strangers on the same team, which makes them ideal if you come on your own.

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Sat19Dec
Free
CultureRouen
10:00–12:00

Rouen Libraries' Book Club 'Cannibales lecteurs'

Bibliothèque Aretha-Franklin

The Rouen libraries' book club meets to share favourites and critiques, and December's theme is photography as a character in fiction. It is free, with registration on the libraries' website. Book clubs give everyone something to talk about from the start, which suits people coming alone.

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Sat6Feb
Free
CultureRouen
17:00–18:00

«Temps suspendu»: poetry reading at Aretha-Franklin library, Rouen

Bibliothèque Aretha-Franklin

What if time had no hold on us: no timetables, no appointments? Over four sessions in late January and early February, poet Sarah Masson (author of «Désexister») led writing games and word collages around Henri Michaux's poem «La Ralentie» and the theme of slowing down. On Saturday at five the participants read their poems aloud to the public at the Aretha-Franklin library in the Grand-Mare district: an hour of fresh, unpolished poetry by neighbours rather than professionals, in a warm room. Free; register through the Rouen libraries website (bibliotheques.rouen.fr). «Temps suspendu - la restitution» Starts 17:00, ends about 18:00. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Bibliothèque Amélie-Bosquet2 upcoming

Tue12Jan
Free
LearningRouen
17:00–19:00

Learn to Edit Wikipedia at a Rouen Library

Bibliothèque Amélie-Bosquet

Learn to add to Wikipedia in a hands-on library workshop, writing about your neighbourhood or about artists whose works are held in the city's heritage collections. It is free, with registration. Editing alongside others at the same task makes it easy to get talking.

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Sat20Feb
Free
SocialRouen
14:00–16:00

Contemplative video games session at Rouen library

Bibliothèque Amélie-Bosquet

Rouen's libraries invite you to slow down with calm, dreamy video games built around wandering, listening and gentle exploration. Pick up a controller or just watch, no gaming skills needed. Free, with registration. «À vous de jouer - jeux vidéo contemplatifs» Starts 14:00, ends about 16:00. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Bibliothèque Madeleine-Riffaud2 upcoming

Fri20Nov
Free
SocialRouen
14:00–15:00

Crochet and chat in French for language learners

Bibliothèque Madeleine-Riffaud

A relaxed alternative to classic conversation classes: learners of French crochet together while chatting. Hooks, yarn and coffee are provided, all levels are welcome, and the session is free with registration.

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Tue5Jan
Free
LearningRouen
10:00–11:00

French Conversation Workshop at a Rouen Library

Bibliothèque Madeleine-Riffaud

Learners of French meet at the Madeleine-Riffaud library to chat over tea or coffee, and every level is welcome. The session is free but registration is requested. Everyone is there to practise talking, so newcomers fit straight in.

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New in Rouen?

How to use the library as a newcomer

  1. Get a card — it is usually free. Bring photo ID and a proof of address (rental contract, utility bill). Rules differ per library, so check the branch page first.
  2. Events rarely need a card. Talks, book clubs and language cafés are open to everyone; just walk in a few minutes early.
  3. Use it as your base. Free wifi, a quiet desk, notice boards with local groups, and often newspapers and courses in several languages.
  4. Go back to the same program. The second visit is when people remember your name.

Phrases in the local language for your evening: Phrases for tonight · Book clubs and silent reading

Questions people ask

Are library events in Rouen free?

Almost all of them. The 37 upcoming programs on this page are public library events in Rouen; most need no booking and no library card. Workshops with limited places say so on the official page.

Can I go to a library event in Rouen alone?

Yes. Most people at library book clubs, talks and language cafés come alone, there is a host who starts the conversation, and nobody asks why you are there. Arrive a few minutes early.

How do I get a library card in Rouen?

Usually it is free: bring photo ID and a proof of address (a rental contract or a utility bill) to any branch. Rules differ per library, so check the branch page before you go.

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