IKEA creates open-air library along the Seine in Paris

France – IKEA has unveiled the Billyothèque, a pop-up outdoor library transforming a stretch of Paris’s Seine riverbank into a space for slow, serendipitous encounters. Running from 22–27 July at Port de la Gare, near the Bibliothèque nationale de France (National Library of France), the activation invites passers-by to browse, borrow or donate books, with literary advisors on hand to offer personalised recommendations.

A tribute to the brand’s iconic Billy shelving system, the initiative was developed in partnership with publishing house Le Livre de Poche. At its close, remaining books will be redistributed by Bibliothèques Sans Frontières (Libraries Without Borders), extending its impact beyond the week-long installation.

The project reflects rising demand for analogue, community-first experiences. As explored in our Reading Raves report, book-centric events are resonating with sober-curious youth seeking more intentional ways to socialise. IKEA’s initiative highlights how brands can reimagine public space to foster meaningful cultural engagement – offline, accessible and open to all.