What was the original project for the Bittern Archipelago?
“The Archipelago project is old. It is linked to the presence of Michel Butor in Lucinges. In 2007, the town acquired the old castle. The work, started in 2018 and completed in 2019, was then carried out by the Annemasse agglomeration. The Butor Archipelago is made up of three places: the Manoir des livres, housed in the old fortified house with temporary exhibitions, the former house of Michel Butor partially open to the public, notably his office, and the public reading library, who joined the Butor project in 2019-2020. All three places form a heritage library. »
What does this space represent in the region?
“The Archipel Butor is the only place in France dedicated to the promotion of artists' books which is the meeting of two worlds that do not rub shoulders very much: the world of writing and that of the visual artist (painter, photographer , visual artist). These two personalities of writing and visual art will meet to produce books with very different forms. The artist's book is like a small work of art. The place has the particularity of highlighting the work of Michel Butor, this writer who belonged to the Nouveau Roman, but above all of highlighting what an artist's book is in all its diversity. Visitors come from all over France, from the Geneva area. We also welcome a lot of school students, especially middle school students. »
How do you interest young people? How do you create a connection around reading?
“Often, the interest of younger people comes naturally. When they pass through the doors of the manor and discover our exhibition rooms, they realize that the books in front of them are not like the books they are used to seeing. Whether in the way it is written, but also visually. It intrigues them. We also offer sections of visits, artistic practice times where they can try to create a small accordion book. »
Do you see changes in ways of reading, of being interested in reading and in the book object?
“Indeed, we are inevitably overtaken by the phenomena of e-readers. Book practices are evolving. Moreover, Michel Butor was convinced that one day the book as we know it would no longer exist. This is why he spent a lot of time making artists' books. It was the way to preserve the book in a somewhat exceptional form. He was already aware, in 2016, of the evolution of users' relationship with books. »
What is the place of literature, in your opinion, in society today?
“I have the feeling that it’s still one of people’s favorite hobbies. Literature always has a special place, even in everyone's homes. I see it in particular when we show Michel Butor's office. Most of the room is occupied by his personal collection of books and visitors are quite amazed to see this library. In people's hearts, there is still an attachment to literature and to the book as an object. »
-Reading nights: events in your communities
The 9e edition of Nuits de la lecture will take place from January 23 to 26. Organized by the National Book Center for the fourth consecutive year, it offers a national range of free events. Readers are invited to come together around events on the theme of heritage.
This year again, initiatives have flourished throughout the region, promising inspiration. Libraries and media libraries offer a varied program to celebrate the pleasure of reading for adults and children alike. Thus, the Ville-la-Grand media library is offering a reading in their pajamas for the youngest on Friday January 24 at 6:15 p.m. (registration required at 04 50 84 24 27). Same date, at 6 p.m., for readings in pajamas at the La Parenthese media library Pers-Jussy (registrations on 04 50 50 05 56).
A program is also designed for older children. At 7 p.m., the Pers-Jussy media library is organizing a “text on screen” quiz evening to rediscover novels adapted for cinema followed by an aperitif (registration required on 04 50 50 05 56).
The Archipel Butor library in Lucinges offers readings of writings on the theme of heritage, both artistic and intimate, between 6 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. this Friday, January 24 (reservations recommended on 04 58 76 00 40).
In Cranves-Sales, the Louis-Brifford library is presenting a game evening, on the evening of the 24th from 6 to 9 p.m., with the installation of a “storytelling” stand. Creation of a story on the program.
On Saturday 25th in the evening, the Pierre-Goy library in Annemasse will host a literally gourmet program. A Goutinade reading workshop at 5 p.m. will be dedicated to 4 to 7 year olds. Then gourmet aperitif from 8 p.m. The opportunity to meet local artisans.
The official Nuits de la lecture website also offers around ten online activities to celebrate this nocturnal week: writing workshops, audio readings, “journeys in music and words” but also a reading competition by voice. high on January 26, closing the festival.
France
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