Cabinet de lecture

The ‘cabinets de lecture’ also remained open from the morning through to the evening, and so for studious members of the public they offered inexpensive shelter, warmth, light and education.

In many reading rooms, the clientele consisted mostly of literate individuals who were unable to purchase books and periodicals on a regular basis.

This clientele included professionals, teachers, skilled artisans, and small merchants.Following the French Revolution, cabinets de lecture grew hugely in popularity.

People argued, hurled abuse and fought one another over specific facts in order to attack or defend the public figures being discussed.

Whether by the light of a lantern or a simple oil lamp, people came to feed their political appetite and to leave better prepared for the debates that took place in the street.

It was also required that there be evidence of good moral character, financial responsibility, and the need for a cabinet de lecture in the community.

Because of the low price of such publications, they could be easily purchased by people from any walk of life, and as cheap papers and affordable serialized novels became more popular, cabinets de lecture became obsolete.