Reading

A2 French reading: borrowing books from a small library

Read a French library notice, learn loan and renewal vocabulary, then decide what three readers can borrow and when they must return it.

In short

Jusqu’à trois livres means up to three books. In this notice, a loan lasts two weeks; one extra week is possible if nobody has reserved the book and you ask before the return date.

Bibliothèque des Tilleuls — mode d’emploi

Avec votre carte, vous pouvez emprunter1 jusqu’à trois livres pour deux semaines. Vous pouvez aussi lire les revues et consulter les dictionnaires sur place2. Les revues et les dictionnaires restent dans la bibliothèque. Pour connaître la date de retour de vos livres, regardez le reçu3 donné à l’accueil.

Vous pouvez prolonger le prêt4 d’un livre une seule fois, pour une semaine supplémentaire, si personne ne l’a réservé. Demandez cette prolongation avant la date de retour. Si un autre lecteur attend le livre, vous devez le rapporter à la date prévue.

Pour rendre vos livres, présentez-vous à l’accueil pendant les heures d’ouverture. Ne les laissez pas devant la porte quand la bibliothèque est fermée. Vous avez une question ? L’équipe est là pour vous aider. Pensez à apporter votre carte lors de votre prochaine visite.

Read it in English

With your card, you can borrow up to three books for two weeks. You can also read magazines and consult dictionaries on the premises. Magazines and dictionaries stay in the library. To find your books’ return date, look at the receipt given at reception.

You can renew a book loan once, for one additional week, if nobody has reserved it. Ask for this renewal before the return date. If another reader is waiting for the book, you must bring it back on the scheduled date.

To return your books, go to reception during opening hours. Do not leave them outside the door when the library is closed. Have a question? The team is there to help. Remember to bring your card on your next visit.

Meet the objects in the text

Three expressions to recognise
FrenchMeaning in the notice
jusqu’à troisA maximum of three; one or two is fine.
une seule foisOne renewal for that loan.
avant la date de retourAsk before the book is due.
Question 1No account needed
Nora wants to borrow two novels. Is that within the limité

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Yes, two is within the limit.. Jusqu’à trois sets a maximum; two books fit within it.

Question 2No account needed
Ali asks before his return date, but another reader has reserved his book. What happens?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

He must return it on the scheduled date.. The reservation blocks renewal, even when Ali asks in time.

Question 3No account needed
How much time does a successful renewal add?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

One week.. The notice gives une semaine supplémentaire: one additional week.

Question 4No account needed
The library is closed. Where should Jo leave the books’

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Keep them until reception is open.. The notice says to return books at reception during opening hours.