The project for a multimedia library, which has been under construction for the last seven years, has finally come to its end.

Overlooking Le Tampon, the glass building is organising open days up until Sunday 2nd September. Last week-end, more than five hundred people rushed to register.

The multimedia library’s loaning service will not be available before September but that does not dissuade the public and it’s easy to understand why. The multimedia library shows infinite innovation in terms of architecture and culture.

All three storeys have a view onto the outside through glass walls. In the middle of the building there is a patio, which is nothing less than a tropical garden. The exceptionnal atmosphere which preveils rekindles the passion of Southern locals for culture.

It’s goodbye to dark libraries with no windows, sober furniture and out-of-date works! The catchphrase here is ‘innovation’. Lucie Cuvelier, the director, stresses this particular point : “ From the day we started the collection, which fills up from day to day, our goal has always been to have as many titles as possible. For the moment, 30,000 documents are available. Our aim is to trebble this figure by this time next year.”

The garden level consists of well-thought out areas that have been furnished with care and that are dedicated to children and young people.

For toddlers, there is an area full of plastic mats and cushions which has opens out onto the garden.  Older children can find all the documents necessary for their artistic development and their scholarly progress.

Parents will get something out of this area as well thanks to a section of books on child care, sociology and psychology. The first floor is entirely dedicated to adults.

A Cultural Centre

For music lovers, the ground floor hosts a sound library: books, discs, scores and periodicals. In the reading room, newspapers and magazines of the month can be consulted. This is quite unusual in Réunion Island’s multimedia libraries. However, the best innovation seems to be that of the multimedia area that is equipped with twenty-eight computers.

The public is usually allowed to use them for one hour but some computers can be booked for longer, according to the amount of work that one has to do.

Visually impaired people can have access to a braille computer that also offers a service whereby L’Express magazine can be read out loud.

The multimedia library will soon offer training courses in foreign languages, electronic music, film making and photography. The Indian Ocean is highlighted on every floor. The department dedicated to the organisation of cultural events will offer a monthly programme; this month there are fairy tales for children in the auditorium and decoration workshops.


Useful Information :
The multimedia library is open everyday from midday to 6pm.
20 rue Victor le Vigoureux - Le Tampon
Phone number 02 62 55 02 19
Registration is free for inhabitants of Le Tampon and 10 euros for others (identity papers, a passport photo and a proof of address are necessary).

Text and pictures : Fanny Peroz - August 2007.