The Mazarine Library in Paris is a hidden, beautiful spot.  If you've been to Paris, you've probably walked right by it and didn't even know it existed.  This is part of its charm.  It seems like a place reserved for Kings, but visitor passes are free for a couple of days or you can purchase yearly passes.  It is a public library; it just looks like a palace. 

History from the website:

La bibliothèque personnelle du cardinal Mazarin (1602-1661), principal ministre de la minorité de Louis XIV, fut ouverte au public dès 1643 ; c'est la plus ancienne bibliothèque publique de France.

Cardinal Mazarin's personal library, but open to the public in 1643, the oldest public library in France.  There's a much longer explanation there, leading to why it is now part of the Institut de France as well. 



I simply soaked up the ghosts of the writers inhabiting this space.  Working on some creative writing, doing a few voyeuristic laps around the bookshelves, and grabbing a couple of French journals that were easy to access.  Others were up high on ladders to find special rare books for research.  Some tourists came to walk around, never taking a seat.  Just going through the seating system is worth taking a seat.  The numbers on the ancient wooden desks correspond with small squares kept in a box on the registrar's desk.  One hands over one's library card in exchange for a desk.  Attention is paid to distribution of people throughout the quiet, high-ceilinged L-shaped reading space.  I felt as if the registrar took into account what he perceived to be my personality when he chose my spot, as if I would find a certain discovery in that space, at that time, that was waiting for me. 

Do not be afraid to enter this enclave.  It is waiting for you, the public.  Just please don't tell too many of your friends!