Since 1982, the La Barthe-de-Neste library has energized local life thanks to its volunteers. It stands out for its Book Fair, the 16th edition of which will take place on Sunday December 1st.
The La Barthe-de-Neste library, nicknamed “Library for All”, is part of the French network “Culture and Library for All”, bringing together more than 1,000 establishments in the region. Here, this reading access point has existed since 1982, under the aegis of the departmental association.
It’s Renée Richon who opens the doors for us, accompanied by Bernadette. Together, they form a dynamic team with six other volunteers, offering openings to the public three times a week. During the thermal season, an antenna is added in Capvern-les-Bains.
The library's funds are made up of regular purchases from the bookstore “Le Vent des Mots”, a well-known cultural player in Lannemezan. The Books are accessible via a paying loan of around €1 per book, with an annual membership set at €13. Renée, trained as a librarian, has developed expertise in the youth and health sectors, facilitating the choice of readings suitable for everyone. The library even offers a “Large Vision” section for people with visual fatigue.
This cultural wealth is also based on the support of the municipality, which provides the premises free of charge and grants a subsidy. “For us, it’s about developing reading among the public, particularly around activities based on books,” explains Renée. This mission takes on its full meaning when we attend a session where a class from the La Barthe-de-Neste school comes to listen to Bernadette read stories. The children, captivated, participate enthusiastically and discover the pleasure of touching and choosing a book.
“Books are part of life, they create social connections and resonate in our familiar worlds,” emphasizes Renée, who is passionate about reading. This love of books, rooted in her family history, naturally led her to join the team of volunteers: “A big reader, I wanted to pass on the well-being that books provide, to me and to others.”
His commitment extends beyond the walls of the library. Renée is also the organizer of the La Barthe-de-Neste Book Fair, the 16th edition of which will be held on Sunday, December 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. This event, still little known, deserves your full attention. It will bring together many authors, such as Jacques Brau, Jean-Claude Auriol, Christian Louis, Jean-Pierre Temple, Jean-Paul Abadie, Grégory Chanfrau and Florence Cortès from the publishing house Vox Scriba.
“The book: a social and family bond”
Jean-Pierre Boudet will offer an exhibition on the history of comics, while Mr. Lecat, artisan, will present his handmade wooden pens. The “Le Vent des Mots” bookstore will also be present, accompanied by old books and illustrations for the greatest pleasure of visitors.
“The book is a social and family bond,” recalls Renée. And this Salon perfectly embodies this idea, offering you a privileged meeting with authors to exchange ideas, obtain signings and even find unique Christmas gifts. A human and literary experience not to be missed!
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