It’s been getting hotter and hotter. Today, my last in Nice, I had to find and book accommodation for my remaining time in France. That, as usual, took longer than expected.
In the afternoon, I went to Nice’s central library, Bibliothèque Louis Nucéra.
Before I could use the WiFi, I had to get a library card. Thankfully, that was a quick process, requiring just my passport.
The library, unusually for its size, is all on one floor. It looks like a huge trading floor. There are plenty of books, including some in English.
Before I settled down with my laptop, I walked around the library. I came across an art exhibition and a games room, which had board games for adults and children.
I noticed the people “studying” were, in fact, talking a lot. A Google review complained about the noise in the library.
Over the years, public libraries have changed. They’re not places you necessarily have to be quiet. They can be lively! Some libraries are community hubs, providing more than just books. This was a fine example of a library providing something for everyone. It reminded me of the libraries in Helsinki and Austin, Texas.
When the library closed, I went to the roof, which is accessed from the outside. Since the library has only one floor, the path to the roof is via two slopes either side of the entrance.
On the roof is a peaceful and well-maintained garden. You wouldn’t know you’re on the roof of a building. It looks like a park. As well as people sitting in the garden, I saw two exercise classes going on.
The library was a good example of how to bring people together.
I returned to my apartment to see my last sunset over Nice. I’m going to miss Nice. It has been a beautiful place to stay and to visit neighbouring towns.
