In this funny library, the children's books are in the “crypt” of a chapel

Almost opposite the town hall, right next to the church, the location of the municipal libraryin the village of Andel, near Lamballe, is ideal. But when you don't know it, you don't see it right away.

Because what we see first is a large stone building which looks like a religious building. And we're not entirely wrong!

Since 1986, and inaugurated in 1988, the Andel library has taken place in the old chapel of the Holy Spirit rebuilt in 1769. It has been almost 40 years since the place exchanged missals for novels and comic strips.

Meeting room and even freezer

In reality, it's more than that mass books we deserted: in the 1950s, the deconsecrated chapel had been transformed into a parish hall, a meeting room and even a theater!

In the 1960s, the former holy place even became, an avant-garde municipal achievement, a freezer communal housing 260 liter boxes for around forty villagers to store ice cream, meat and vegetables!

The former place of worship, now a place of culture, has seen many people from Andel pass through. To the point that today, library members almost forget the beauty of the place where they come to browse for new literary adventures.

It’s true that it’s magnificent. But we've been coming here for years, today, it's become natural…

An exceptional place

320 registrants frequent the bays of this funny library which has 6,500 works in its own funds, and 300 books and documents renewed each year with the BCA (Côtes d'Armor Departmental Library).

Part of which can be discovered by taking a small staircase which goes down to the basement, into the “crypt” of the chapel.

A warm and clever layout provided in the same way as the beautiful mezzanine which sits under the cathedral roof and which offers a striking view of the rest of the library chapel.

A real privilege to visit this place full of charm and mystery…

Opening hours: Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Annual rates: €6 Adult, €3 Child (under 15), €10 Family

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