This marks the fifth year of this nationwide event, taking place across France on March 10, 2026. The Quarter-Hour of Reading is a perfect opportunity to dedicate 15 minutes to reading a book of your choice. It’s also a chance to reconnect with or start a habit of immersing yourself in the wonderful world of literature on a more regular basis. In 2022, more than 2,000 schools, associations, libraries, and companies took part in this literary movement.
Régine Hatchondo, President of the Centre national du livre, wants to make the French"a reading people". While it is sometimes difficult to find the time to read in everyday life, the Quart d'heure invites citizens to pause for a few minutes, take some time for themselves and develop the pleasure of reading. This event has been introduced in schools, as a way of ritualizing the practice through regular reading. Why not join us?
Everyone's invited; all you need is to have a book in hand on Tuesday, March 10th. Whether it's a manga, a novel, a non-fiction work, or any other genre, you're all set to take on the challenge. We hope you'll continue reading beyond this day! And if you'd like to share this experience with others, the National Book Center's website lists participating locations near you.
As part of the National Reading Quarter, the SNCF has teamed up with the CNL through their partnership with Librio to promote the event aboard RER C trains in early March. This initiative encourages travelers to turn their commute into a time for reading, aligning perfectly with the CNL's mission to foster a love of books. Passengers will be able to access selected texts via a QR code provided on the trains.
In Paris, the BNP Paribas Foundation, in partnership with French-Iranian chess champion Mitra Hejazipour, is hosting a simultaneous reading event to celebrate the release of her new book, The Chess Player (Albin Michel, 2026). The event will also serve to promote the book across the Foundation's social media channels, featuring a fifteen-minute Instagram Live where the author will read an excerpt aloud.
In Paris, head to the Seine Riverbanks for a one-of-a-kind reading experience at the Josiane Asmane bookseller stall, right in the heart of the literary city.
The feminist and anti-racist library of the organization Pas si loin, in partnership with the local SOS Racisme committee, invites you to explore its collection of intersectional literature. From novels and essays to comics for children and adults, along with read-aloud sessions, book showcases, discussions, and debates—all dedicated to fostering dialogue on social justice issues.
Dates and Opening Time
On March 10, 2026
Prices
Free
Official website
centrenationaldulivre.fr
