Nights of Reading 2026 at the Institut de France: A Reading Marathon at the Mazarine Library

The Nuits de la Lecture have become a key highlight of France’s cultural calendar. Organized by the National Book Center, these events invite everyone to celebrate reading in all its forms each winter, in a warm, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere. Far from being just for literature enthusiasts, these evenings are designed to engage a diverse audience, from children to casual readers.

Across France, libraries, schools, media centers, theaters, and bookstores are offering a variety of activities, often free: group readings, literary treasure hunts, author meet-and-greets, creative workshops, pajama storytimes, and musical readings… These events are a playful way to highlight that reading is a pleasure accessible to everyone—far from just being a school task.

Once again, the Institut de France is hosting a series of events in celebration of the Nuits de la Lecture 2026. One highlight will take place in its magnificent Mazarine Library: a reading marathon followed by a roundtable discussion on January 24th. Both events are free, but you need to register to attend the roundtable!

• To be read
• Nights of Reading 2026: The Schedule for the Literary Night Event in Paris & Île-de-France
• Nights of Reading 2026 in Paris: Theatricalized Reading Workshops at the House of Victor Hugo
• Nights of Reading 2026 in Paris: An Evening Walk Around the Arc de Triomphe Following in Victor Hugo’s Footsteps

Nights of Reading 2026 at the Institute of France:

Sometimes diverging from the typical image of bustling neighborhoods and tranquil landscapes, our stories depict both urban life and the countryside. Beyond just a setting, they weave the fabric of our dreams and nightmares, serving as an endless well of inspiration for literature. On January 24th, in celebration of Reading Night, the Institut de France will open its doors for a special evening open to the public.

From 5 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., a reading marathon will bring together volunteers at the Mazarine Library to share their favorite texts centered around the theme. Come explore the pages dedicated to towns and countryside that have captured your imagination. The event is open to both daytime readers and nighttime visitors, and if you're looking for inspiration, you'll find plenty of suggestions on-site.

From 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., under the Dome, writers, scholars, and artists—the members of the five academies—will read aloud works that have shaped their imagination, sharing their voices with eager young readers. Paradise or hell? Adventure or homecoming? Solitude or community? Today, the landscape feels more contested than ever, yet haven't writers always navigated their own unique geographies?