From January 2025, access to the libraries of the Hérault Valley will be free for all, thanks to a modification of the charter aimed at encouraging public reading. This decision, validated on December 2, 2024, seeks to reverse the decline in adult attendance, which has fallen sharply in recent years.
From January 1, 2025, access to the network of libraries and media libraries in the Hérault Valley will no longer be charged. Until now, only those under 18 benefited from free admission. From now on, it extends to all residents, including those who are not residents of the CCVH. A decision which was validated on December 2, by a modification of the charter which specifies that “wishing to encourage the use of libraries by all, the signatories undertake to offer free registration for all audiences”. However, since the creation of the network in 2008, prices have not changed. In 2023, revenues were estimated at €17,170.
Adult attendance in decline
This decision was taken following a report validated on June 24, 2024. It shows a clear decline in adult attendance, which fell from 63% in 2019 to only 44% in 2023. At the same time, children represent 56% of attendance, compared to 37% in 2019. It is especially the 18-65 age group that is falling. An observation which is reflected in the evolution of the number of adult loans, which will be only 25% in 2023 (35% in 2019), or 75,000 loans in 2023, down 2%. While youth loans were 209,000 in 2023, an increase of 8.6%. It is clearly this category which boosts attendance and loans.
Tracks
To bring adults back, several avenues are being considered in the future Public Reading Development Plan 2026-2032. Renew the collections, since 40% of the works are over 10 years old, and 20% have not been borrowed for 3 years. With half of the network open less than 7 hours per week, the hours are not always adapted to working people.
Also improve reception areas, because many are aging, too small or not accessible to people with reduced mobility. Several redevelopment projects are planned in the libraries of Argelliers, Montarnaud, Puilacher, Saint-André de Sangonis, Saint-Jean-de-Fos and Vendémian.
A rich and varied cultural program
But libraries are not just places to borrow books. They offer other activities, such as game library times. All year round, the network establishes a varied cultural program throughout the territory. “Sight readings” with the Théâtre populaire de la Vallée de l’Hérault, family nursery rhyme and story workshops (from 0 to 3 years old), or exhibitions such as the “Créatures” project, a workshop carried out in collaboration with the library by Aniane, the youth center and the visual artist Ayda-Su Nuroglu.
FESTIVAL / “The speaking words” return on January 25.
2025 marks the 5th year of the “winter-shaking festival”. From January 25 to February 9, theater, stories, concerts, puppets are invited to all the libraries of the CCVH Public Reading network, a way of promoting these places of meetings and exchanges around culture. A program which, year after year, wins the support of the public. No doubt because, as Jean-François Soto points out, “Words Speakers reminds us of the power of words and stories, their capacity to move people, to make us think and, above all, to bring us together”.
First meeting Saturday January 25 at 6:30 p.m., at the Gignac media library. A meeting with singer Emily Loizeau, in partnership with Sonambule.
Program, information and reservations on www.motsparoles-valleeherault.fr
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