The ephemeral library runs free workshops for children on the beach at the Fréjus Nature Base
On the sands of Fréjus, facing the sea, what could be more relaxing than a good book? This is what the Villa-Marie media library's annex, called "L'ivre de mer," offers every morning. Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., locals and vacationers can borrow a book for free, take it away for a few days, or settle comfortably on one of the deckchairs in the shade of the wooden building surrounded by parasols.
"The idea behind this reading corner is to offer a wide selection of novels, comics, manga, magazines, documentaries, publications in foreign languages... to get as close as possible to readers so that they can take advantage of their holidays to read," explained Filippine Vanbelle, deputy director and head of the youth area at the Villa-Marie media library.
"We opened the structure on June 16 to welcome Fréjus schoolchildren, children from daycare centers, and young people from leisure centers, and we will close on August 30. It is a collective effort by the twenty or so professionals at the media library who choose the books and prepare the activities that are different every day," she said.
Because every morning at 10 a.m., a free workshop is presented to children, like yesterday, raising awareness about marine biodiversity and the Pelagos sanctuary. Games were organized to help children understand the fragility of the ocean, the fauna and flora of the Mediterranean, the secrets of cetaceans, and more. Eco-ambassadors from the Fréjus Citizen Ecology Service introduced the young participants to the behavior of dolphins, whales, and more.
Creating travel journals, woven bookmarks, a fresco, scientific experiments on the water cycle, goose games, memory games, treasure hunts, puzzles, crafts, coloring pages and stories in the colors of Africa… are all discoveries for 3-12 year olds. More than forty workshops are led this summer by Stéphanie, Noëlie, Léia, Camille, Mélanie, professionals from the Villa-Marie media library directed by Christine Ortuno.
"Artists from the Fréjus crafts circuit also take turns, such as painter France Nadaud and leatherwork specialist Filippine Vanbelle emphasized. To be sure of getting a spot, you can register on the media library website, always for free. It's very varied, a bit educational, but it's important that it remains a game during the holidays, so it's mostly fun."
A highly popular program that has been in operation for 19 years, "L'ivre de mer" has its loyal customers, like Patrice, who has been coming since its creation: "I bring my four grandchildren in July and August. It's practical because we read a lot of books during the holidays. It's fantastic, the whole team is very pleasant and welcoming."
Please note that this morning, we will be making a windmill!
Var-Matin
