Reading in Monaco

For a small country, Monaco offers readers more than you might expect — free newspapers, a well-stocked online library, regular author talks and a century of local press you can search from your sofa. Most of it costs nothing. This guide shows where to find it.

Free reading at the Médiathèque Caroline

The municipal Médiathèque Caroline, open since December 2025 at 5 promenade Honoré II, is free to enter. Without a card you can:

• read in the press lounge, which has French and international newspapers and magazines;
• study in the salle Louis Notari, a quiet room for reading and research;
• browse the Monaco shelf, with reference books on the Principality and local news;
• take the children to the youth area, which has reading nooks for toddlers and a manga bar for teenagers.

With a free card you can borrow as many books and audiobooks as you like for three weeks.

Reading online with a free card

Members can use these services from home at no cost:

• Cafeyn: more than 1,800 newspapers and magazines on phone, tablet or computer;
• BiblioAccess by Numilog: e-books to download to an e-reader or tablet;
• Toutapprendre: e-books, audiobooks, comics, manga and podcasts as well as courses;
• Assimil: language courses, if you are learning French or Italian for life in Monaco.

If you need help setting up an e-reader or an app, book a free 45-minute one-to-one digital session at the Médiathèque on +377 93 15 29 40.

Talks, readings and workshops

The Médiathèque Caroline runs a year-round programme in its 118-seat auditorium and workshop rooms: author talks, screenings, readings and concerts, along with formats such as philosophy workshops for adults and children, "musical naps" and charity knitting groups. Events are listed in the Agenda on mediatheque.mc and on Instagram at @mediathequecaroline. They are open to everyone, members or not.

In Monaco-Ville, the Princess Grace Irish Library organises evening talks in English with writers, historians and musicians, plus symposia and a St Patrick's Day event. Places are limited, so book ahead on +377 93 50 12 25 or at info@pgil.mc; each event also has online ticketing. Its young readers' section has Irish children's books, and children under 10 must come with an adult.

A century of Monaco in the newspapers

One of the Médiathèque's best-kept secrets is its digitised old press. Six titles published between 1897 and 1963 are free to read and search online, with full-text search and filters by year and month:

These runs cover the Principality from the Belle Époque to the 1960s, which makes them useful for family history, the history of a building or simply curiosity. For originals, photographs and archives, contact the Fonds patrimonial (L'Hélios, 3 promenade Honoré II, +377 93 25 22 58), which opens by appointment.

Related guides

• All libraries in Monaco
• Library quick reference
• Monaco stamps and philately
• Kids' activities in Monaco