On March 11, 2025, the beloved literary program ‘La Grande Librairie’ will air its special edition at 21:05 on France 5, themed around the national 'Quart d’heure de lecture', also known as the fifteen minutes of reading. This initiative, now celebrating its fourth edition, encourages everyone, regardless of their reading habits, to engage with books and literature.
Hosted by the charismatic Augustin Trapenard, the episode will spotlight the significance of reading, particularly celebrating the theme of night—a source of inspiration and contemplation for writers. The event is organized by the Centre national du livre (CNL), which invites all French citizens to participate and enjoy the simple pleasure of reading for at least fifteen minutes each day.
The slogan for this year’s event is both playful and motivating: “Éteignez votre portable, allumez votre cerveau, lisez !” (Turn off your phone, turn on your brain, read!), reminding everyone of the joys and benefits of picking up a book instead of scrolling through screens. By fostering this engagement with literature, the CNL aims to renew interest and enjoyment in reading, bringing communities together.
This episode of 'La Grande Librairie' features notable literary guests who will contribute their thoughts and works related to the theme. Christine Angot will be present to discuss her upcoming book, 'La Nuit sur commande', scheduled for release on March 12, 2025, by Stock. This compelling narrative explores her experiences during the night at the Bourse du Commerce, using the setting as a backdrop for reflections on art and human relationships.
Joining her will be Jean-Baptiste Del Amo, who will present 'La Nuit ravagée', set to be released on March 13, 2025, by Gallimard. This haunting tale invites readers to confront the fears and desires woven within the darkness, capturing the uncanny nature of the night.
Also featured will be Bernard Quiriny, presenting 'Nouvelles nocturnes', and Catherine Cusset, whose work 'Ma vie avec Marcel Proust' also showcases how Proust’s literature has deeply influenced her life.
One delightful surprise for viewers will be actor Guillaume Gallienne, who is expected to enchant the audience with his reading of selected excerpts from influential literary works, enhancing the night's literary ambiance. His performance promises to uplift and inspire, embodying the traditional spirit of sharing stories.
The episode is not just about promoting individual authors and their works; it aims to reinforce the idea of community participation. Since the 'quart d'heure de lecture' started its implementation across schools back in 2019, it has been shown to bolster self-esteem and encourage social bonds within students. The initiative calls for cooperation between businesses, associations, and local libraries, reaching out to every corner of society to create a collective commitment to reading.
Augustin Trapenard expressed his enthusiasm for this exceptional evening, emphasizing how 'La Grande Librairie' continues to evolve and adapt to current times, drawing viewers from all backgrounds. The literary world thrives on diversity and creativity, and the theme of night reveals rich narratives waiting to be explored.
For those who have taken part in past editions of the 'Quart d’heure de lecture', it’s time to embrace the joy of reading again, rediscovering the simple pleasure found between the pages of books. Whether you are new to reading or have been lifelong fans, this event encourages everyone to share and celebrate literature.
This special episode of 'La Grande Librairie' is more than just another segment on television; it is an invitation to create new connections, share thoughts, and indulge our imaginations under the spell of the night. What book will you choose to read during your own 'quart d’heure de lecture' tonight?
Join the movement and participate live on March 11, 2025, at 21:05 on France 5, and don’t forget to share your reading experiences across social media to inspire others. Let's turn off our devices and ignite our minds through the power of reading together!