Bibliothèque Marguerite-Durand, Municipal library and feminist archive in Quartier de la Gare, France
The Bibliothèque Marguerite-Durand is a special library in Paris that focuses on women's history and contributions, housing a broad collection of books, documents, and photographs. The holdings include personal correspondence, manuscripts, and other materials that document women's work and influence across various areas of French society.
The archive was founded in 1932 and grew from the personal collection of a journalist who had championed women's rights over many decades. This foundation was later expanded and transformed into a specialized library that continues to gather and preserve materials from women's movements today.
The library is named after a journalist who championed women's rights in the early 20th century, and her personal collection forms the foundation of this place. Visitors can discover works by writers like Colette and Madame de Staël, and experience how women found their voice in French society through the materials on display.
The library is near the metro and easy to reach by public transport; finding the marked entrance is straightforward. It is best to plan enough time to explore the extensive collections, and it helps to research in advance which materials you want to visit.
The archive collects materials on early women's movements with original letters and photographs that are rarely found in other institutions. These documents offer direct insight into the personal experiences and struggles of activists from that era.
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