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The Direction de l'Amenagement Urbain (DAU) has installed an A Picina Bibliuteca public book exchange in Fontvieille. Located in the Jardin de l'Ane (between the Ecole de Fontvieille and Stade Louis II), anyone can deposit a used book or DVD in the "library" in exchange for something left there by someone else. Organizers have plans to expand into other areas of Monaco.

While you're waiting for an exchange in your neighbourhood, there are plenty of other places in the Principality to get your fix of literature. St Paul's Church English Book Library is open on Saturdays from 10:30 to 12:00. Annual membership costs 30 euros and the borrowing period is three weeks. There's also a selection of used books for sale, many at just 1 euro.

On the Rock, you'll find the Princess Grace Irish Library, with its large stock of Irish works. In addition to the books, it organizes regular events with guest speakers, and offers a one-month bursary for Irish writers and academics.

Of course, if your French is up to it, there's Monaco Mediatheque, which costs 20 euros for a 10-year membership.

So, what are you waiting for? As French novelist Gustave Flaubert said, "Lisez pour vivre" - read in order to live!
 

Coming up next week: YSL's Moroccan passion, picnic lunch with Joseph Arthur, and African tales for kids.

For lots more suggestions, visit maBoum's 7 day listing and enjoy your weekend.

(1) This week's quote is the title of a song which was adapted by Warner Bros. for their cartoons. It was co-written by American performer Eddie Cantor, born this day 1892.