Paris Internet Libraries
 

Just spent a great month in London. One fine thing was that I could use the Internet/email facilities at High Street Kensington's great library. All one needed to do was be there at opening time, or call and reserve an hour for the day. I wondered if there are public libraries in Paris that do this as well. Any ideas?
Thanks for any information.

I can't swear to it but I doubt it. There are some public terminals in various places in Paris, such as some metro/RER statinos (Port Royal, for example, at least used to be), but you can't reserve them.

There are also some computers at libraries where you can connect to the internet, such as the Bibliotheque Mitterand, but they aren't for tourists to check their email or e-chat or things like that. I don't know how they regulate that, maybe just visually if they notice what you are doing, but those are the rules that they have posted--they don't allow email. I don't know if you can call up ahead to reserve or not, but you can at the desk and you can view some others without reserving (but they have limited service). I haven't used them, so don't know if they require you to show proof of residency or not. I would suggest you find an internet cafe to use, they aren't that expensive.

The one place I know of in Paris is the Palais de la Découverte, near the Grand Palais. For the admission fee you can use the computers on the mezzanine level, but I don't believe you can reserve a time. However, the museum itself is so interesting that waiting is no problem.

Don't have a specific answer to your question, but French Post Offices are providing free internet access at more and more POs across the country. The goal is to have something like 2,000 POs equipped with internet stations within a year or so, and this was started awhile back. I would imagine that at least some of these are in Paris.

The prices at cybercafés vary greatly so be sure you check the cost before spending an hour in one. And ask for an English keyboard or you will spend most of your time correcting mistakes by typing on a French keyboard.

Well I really thank you for your ideas and comments. Happy, safe travels to everyone.