Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Municipal Library of Amiens found its origins in the nationalization of the Church's property in 1789, which enabled the collection of books from the abbeys that had been abolished in Corbie, Saint-Fuscien and Selincourt. These collections, enriched by medieval manuscripts and incunables, form the original heritage core. In 1811, the city of Amiens decided to create a communal library, but the first project, providing for an elevation of the Town Hall, remained unanswered.

In 1820, the municipality acquired land on Rue Royale (present-day Rue de la République), at the site of the former convent of Moreaucourt, to build a library. The works, led by architect François-Auguste Cheussey, range from 1823 to 1825. The neo-classical building is built in limestone from the old fortifications of the city. It was inaugurated in 1826 and underwent several expansions in 1842, 1867 and 1900, notably to accommodate prestigious collections such as Charles de l'Escalopier's, offered in 1866.

The Louis-Aragon Library, the current name of the main building, is ranked among the richest French municipal libraries. It preserves more than 2,500 manuscripts, including major pieces such as the Psautier de Corbie (IXth century) or the Bible of Pamplona (XIIth century). In 1897, a monument in memory of Mayor Frédéric Petit was erected in his courtyard. In 1982, a contemporary extension was added, followed by major renovations inaugurated in 1993.

The library plays a key role in the preservation of the Picardy heritage, thanks in particular to its status as an Associate Point of the National Library of France. It is the depositary of the Legal Printer Deposit for Picardie, gathering local prints. Its missions include the preservation of Amiens' old communal archives, as well as thematic collections such as Jules Verne's, acquired in 2000 and partially exhibited at La Maison de Jules Verne.

The architecture of the library is distinguished by its U-shaped plan, its neo-classical portal adorned with statues, and its halls with zenithal lighting. The facades and interior decoration have been protected as historical monuments since 1979. The building also houses the Académie des Sciences, des Lettres et des Arts d'Amiens and offers a variety of cultural services, such as an art library and a local musical fund (CDICI!).

Since 2000, the Louis-Aragon Library has been part of Amiens Métropole's network of libraries, which federates municipal libraries in the communes of the agglomeration. This network provides public reading, heritage conservation, and artistic dissemination, while highlighting historical and contemporary collections.

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