In Pégomas, once upon a time, there was youth at the media library...
An intimate, special moment. Where we find ourselves, while sharing an experience with the author. An escape of the mind, a deep reflection, a moment of respite away from the world. It's the feeling we all experience when reading a book, a novel, an essay, a comic strip. A singular Aparté (but which can also be conjugated in the plural) whose name the media library in Pégomas bears aptly. Because since 2024, this place steeped in local history and universal culture has begun its transformation, so that the caterpillar flutters through the works.
Phase 1 of the project focused on the adult area and reception, which were completely renovated to make them more modern, comfortable, and brighter… (12,500 euros of work, 42,000 euros of furniture and decor, with more than 35,000 euros of departmental subsidies). It was then necessary to knock down partitions (but isn't that the essence of reading, even figuratively?), remove the old air conditioning units, block up some openings, install a false ceiling, redo the wiring, repaint, and install a new flexible floor covering.
This summer, the City's technical services weren't on vacation either, as Phase 2 was completed in eight weeks, from June 2 to July 25. Here again, it was necessary to partially demolish in order to rebuild better. Reinventing the youth space and creating a teen corner was like writing a new page. The electricity, paint, and floors were all refreshed once again. And from the very opening, the premises were a great success with visitors of all ages...
"Once upon a time" is written in flowing letters on the large white wall of the children's room, where the red silhouette (no, not black, but for little ones anything goes) of Charlie Chaplin is outlined. In another corner, just above the sofas on which two young readers have already settled, another colorful fresco with a big spectacled bear (any resemblance to an existing grandfather is not necessarily coincidental) telling a captivating story to playful fox cubs, rabbits, weasels and other hedgehogs.
And then there are the frames, where all the Marvel heroes are lined up in baby mode (Spiderman, Batman, Hulk, Captain America...) because in this place reserved for future adults, we all feel a little bit like Peter Pan. Colors, joy, and lots of adapted books, including enormous ones with thick cardboard pages, almost without text, for the little ones. Further on, crossing the reception hall and then the adult area, the references get older, like children who are now going to school alone. Naruto, Boba Fett from Star Wars and other Pikachus have taken over among the new shelves of books and games for teens.
In total, with the help of the departmental media library, L'Aparté de Pégomas has more than 10,000 books available, for 500 to 600 registered subscribers (an upward trend), says an employee. The new project will have cost 17,500 euros for the work, and 40,110 euros for the furniture and decoration (including more than 20,000 euros in departmental subsidies).
But the result is worth the investment, which delighted Mayor Florence Simon during the inauguration: "This moment explains why we work every day for culture, knowledge and learning, we can be proud of our media library."
The town took the opportunity to commission a female bust sculpted by artist Stéphane Pierron, among the works exhibited outside all around the square. Nearby, sepia-toned or black-and-white panels remind us ( via wedding or back-to-school scenes) that this noble old building was first a municipal school, then the main town hall. Starting next year, these surrounding areas will be landscaped to create a friendly, family-friendly garden. This will be phase 3 of the beautiful metamorphosis, even if it's not by Ovid.
And then another day, during a future mandate no doubt, we will also have to tackle the upper floor, in order to make the most of all the rooms of the sleeping beauty.
But that's another story...
Nice Matin
