Bibliothèque Bonlieu (Bonlieu Library), Annecy

Nestled in the heart of Annecy, the Bonlieu Library is a cultural hub offering free access to a rich multimedia collection and various services catering to all audiences. As part of the BiblioFil network-comprising seven municipal media libraries and eight libraries across Annecy and its surrounding areas-it grants subscribers access to an extensive shared catalog of over 500,000 items, including books, CDs, films, scores, games, and prints. A convenient shuttle service facilitates reservations and returns at any library within the network.

Beyond lending, the Bonlieu Library features an art library, a space for heritage collections, and reserves. Its heritage collections encompass approximately 25,000 volumes dating back to the 19th century, as well as specialized collections, including 12,000 documents related to Savoie, such as books, magazines, postcards, and DVDs. Notable subsets include the Saint François de Sales collection, artists' books, contemporary bibliophilia, and a youth conservation fund. The library actively enriches its regional holdings through acquisitions of both historical and contemporary works.

Tracing its roots to 1748, the Bonlieu Library is the oldest public library in Savoie, initially established through donations from Canon Dumax and Judge Symond. After several relocations, it found a permanent home in Annecy’s Bonlieu Center in 1981-a multifunctional building designed by architects Maurice Novarina and Jacques Lévy that also houses a theater, tourist office, and various services.

Committed to preserving and showcasing its heritage, the library hosts exhibitions, reserve tours, and online articles through the BiblioFil portal. Its collections are also accessible via the Lectura Plus platform, which features a virtual archive of regional iconography, including portraits, Mont-Blanc views, and historical engravings. Whether delving into Savoie’s rich history or exploring contemporary culture, the Bonlieu Library stands as a vibrant testament to Annecy’s intellectual and artistic legacy.