this 50-year-old “temple of play” and its Playmobil collection change address

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It is a move that was necessary, but which also responds to a municipal desire to liven up the streets of the Saint-Louis district. There game library de Versailles (Yvelines), previously located in the Montbauron district, has moved to the former premises of the Tourist Office, at 27, rue du Vieux-Versailles. Its doors opened to the public this Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

“For several years, we have been pursuing a strategy which aims to enhance flows in the neighborhood to help traders,” explains Mayor François de Mazières.

“We have already done the Court of Scents, with the passage through the garden. Recently, with the collaboration of the president of the Palace of Versailles, we reopened the Jeu de Paume room to the public. »

Enhancement of republican heritage

A request to which the new president of thePublic establishment of the National Domain of Versailles had in fact acceded, wishing to highlight the republican heritage of the commune.

The year 2025 celebrates 150 years since the creation of the III^e Republicwhich notably established the principle of two chambers (National Assembly and Senate) and the election of a President of the Republic by direct universal suffrage for seven years (5 years now).

“A game of Tetris”

For the City of Versailles, this move of the game library is also a financial transaction. “In a difficult context, we seek to highlight our heritage,” continues François de Mazières. The house it was installed in was a thermal sieve. »

“The toy library is moving here and the library will be transferred to the media librarywhich will open its doors in September 2025 on the top floor of the old Post Office, avenue de Paris,” adds the elected official.

“It was quite a game of Tetris to play, but important in the budgetary context that we are experiencing and with the desire to improve the service to residents. »

4,000 game references

Created in 1974the Versailles toy library was one of the pioneers in France. From wooden toys to board games, without forgetting construction games and even disguises, it has nearly 4,000 references.

In its new premises, it can better accommodate the public, firstly because it is now accessible to people with reduced mobility, then because its reception capacity has increased. from 19 to 50 people.

“We can accommodate more people. Before, we were sometimes forced to limit attendance time so that everyone could have access to the game library. »

Each age has its own space

The 90 m² are organized into different spaces: board games from 8 years old; games for 6-8 year olds; little ones' corner with imitation games (dinette, merchant, workbench, etc.); baby areapopular with childminders and parents.

“We have all kinds of games,” describes Cindy Chevallier. Collaborative, strategy and unmissable ones like Cluedo, La Bonne Paye, Monopoly… And a belle collection from Playmobil. We also try to add new features. »

Play on site or borrow

On the occasion of the move, a clearance sale areain the reception hall, was set up to sell games “by the hat” and be able to finance the purchase of new products.

At the game library, two choices are available to visitors: play on site or borrow. “To borrow, you must be a member. And there is a small rental fee to pay in addition,” specifies the president of the place. Count on average €2 for three weeks of loan.

“This allows us to maintain the games, buy them and also pay our two employees. »

Four days of opening per week

The toy library, which has the status of an association, could not normally operate without its two employees and volunteers. These human resources allow it to be open four days a week, Tuesday (9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.), Wednesday (9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.), Friday (9 to 12 p.m.; 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.) and Saturday (same times as Wednesday).

“We generally welcome groups on Thursdays. But we may soon be able to open to the public at the same time. »

Games evening and birthday

A large room could indeed allow it, and also be used to organize birthdays, which until then were only possible on Sundays. “We will be able to do it on Wednesday and Saturday,” explains Cindy Chevallier.

The game library, which also organizes a games evening once a month, on Fridays, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., has approximately 150 member families. The annual registration, per family, amounts to €35.

Games library of Versailles (27, rue du Vieux-Versailles): open Tuesday (9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.), Friday (9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.), Wednesday and Saturday (9 to 12 p.m.; 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.).

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