Library Jacques Prévert

Our class from the #Avenir program at Analyse-et-Action visited the Bibliothèque JACQUES PRÉVERT, located within the Centre culturel Le QUASAR alongside the Musée THOMAS-HENRY in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. This enriching outing was thoughtfully organized by #Avenir Coordinator Monsieur Maxime DEVIGNE and our dedicated trainer, Madame Kelly SAUVEY. We were greeted with a genuinely warm welcome by Madame Florence LEBLOND, who invested time in discussing our individual interests and future career aspirations—truly making us feel valued from the start. As a current subscriber to the library (which is free for Cherbourg-en-Cotentin residents and offers an annual fee of just 26€ for non-residents), I had never received such a comprehensive overview of its core functionalities and mission until this tour. Spanning 2,500 m² and housing over 240,000 documents, it's the second-largest library in Basse-Normandie after Caen, and a must-visit for avid readers of all ages. From kindergarteners to seniors, there's something for everyone, with dedicated spaces tailored to diverse needs: vibrant areas for children, accommodations for the visually impaired (including accessible materials), a music section equipped with instruments like guitars and a grand piano for on-site use, a manga collection, a movie section with DVDs, and a dedicated internet zone for research and browsing. As someone who typically prefers learning through visuals and images, I was thrilled to discover specialized sections for graphic novels, art books, and multimedia resources that cater perfectly to that style. The tour itself was superb, igniting an excitement I've never felt in a library before. What sets this place apart as truly innovative is its video game section, blending entertainment with education in a forward-thinking way. During the visit, I inquired about integrating AI-driven digital catalogs to balance traditional book heritage with modern technology, and Madame LEBLOND emphasized that this is a vital consideration for the near future to better serve all enthusiasts. The library already offers a user-friendly online catalog for browsing, reserving items, extending loans, and even requesting shuttles from networked branches like Raymond QUENEAU and Boris VIAN. The entire presentation was absolutely incredible—thank you, Madame LEBLOND, for unveiling a whole world within the realm of books, music, films, and more. This marvelous experience left our class inspired, and I'm certain we'd all love to return again and again! Highly recommended for anyone seeking a dynamic cultural hub.