Our local “Médiathèque” opened to the public on May 21, 2007. It serves the function of public library with books, periodicals, newspapers, and a decent movie and audio section. In addition, it has an 80 seat auditorium and areas where workshops for kids and adults alike can be conducted. To Americans, this may not be a big deal because public libraries are so widespread in the US. Here, however, the “médiathèque” was a most welcome addition to the neighborhood. Those who read French can take a look on-line at what this center has to offer. By the way, the text on the building, somewhat liberally translated, reads, “Reading is the only way to live several lives.” Now this is the kind of thing I don’t mind spending my tax money on!