#20 How to Make a Restaurant Reservation｜French Phrases for Booking
Izumi French Garden
#154 Creating a Library Card｜French Daily Life Phrases
Izumi
If you are staying in France for an extended period or studying abroad, you will likely have many opportunities to use public libraries.
In order to use a library, you must first create a library card. During the registration process, you will be asked to express your intention to register and to submit the required documents.
In this article, I explain in detail useful French expressions for situations in which you create a library card at a library.
Contents
Dialogue
Bonjour. Je souhaiterais m’inscrire à la bibliothèque.
（Hello. I would like to register at the library.）
Bien sûr. Pour l’inscription, j’aurai besoin d’une pièce d’identité et d’un justificatif de domicile.
（Certainly. For registration, I will need a form of identification and proof of address.）
Voici mon passeport et une facture récente.
（Here is my passport and a recent bill.）
Merci beaucoup. Souhaitez-vous emprunter des livres uniquement ou aussi des documents numériques ?
（Thank you very much. Would you like to borrow only physical books, or also digital materials?）
Les deux, si possible.
（Both, if possible.）
D’accord. Votre carte sera prête dans quelques minutes.
（All right. Your card will be ready in a few minutes.）
Merci beaucoup.
（Thank you very much.）
1. Requesting Registration
If you would like to create a library card, you should first ask the reception desk to begin the registration process.
Example
- Je souhaiterais m’inscrire à la bibliothèque.
（I would like to register at the library.）
The expression “Je souhaiterais …” is a polite and reserved way of expressing a request.
The verb “s’inscrire” means “to register” and is commonly used not only for libraries, but also for language schools, sports clubs, and course applications.
Related Expression
- Je voudrais créer une carte de bibliothèque.
（I would like to create a library card.）
2. Submitting the Required Documents
During the registration process, identity verification and address confirmation are generally required.
Example
- Pour l’inscription, j’aurai besoin d’une pièce d’identité et d’un justificatif de domicile.
（For registration, I will need a form of identification and proof of address.）
The phrase “une pièce d’identité” refers to documents such as a passport, residence permit, or ID card.
“Un justificatif de domicile” refers to documents that confirm your address, such as a utility bill or a rent receipt.
Example
- Voici mon passeport et une facture récente.
（Here is my passport and a recent bill.）
The word “voici” is a standard expression meaning “here is,” used when handing something to someone.
3. Confirming Available Services and Conditions
At the time of registration, you may be asked about the services you wish to use.
Example
- Souhaitez-vous emprunter des livres uniquement ou aussi des documents numériques ?
（Would you like to borrow only physical books, or also digital materials?）
The verb “emprunter” means “to borrow” and is an essential verb when talking about library services
Example
- Les deux, si possible.
（Both, if possible.）
The phrase “si possible” is short but very polite, meaning “if possible” or “if that would be acceptable.”
4. Information About Card Issuance and Waiting Time
At the end of the procedure, you will usually be informed when the card will be ready.
Example
- Votre carte sera prête dans quelques minutes.
（Your card will be ready in a few minutes.）
“Sera prête” means “will be ready,” and “dans quelques minutes” means “in a few minutes.”
Understanding this expression helps you decide whether to wait on the spot or return later.
Summary
Key French Phrases
- Je souhaiterais m’inscrire à la bibliothèque.
→ An expression used to state that you would like to create a library card. - Une pièce d’identité / un justificatif de domicile
→ Documents required during the registration process. - Emprunter des livres / des documents numériques
→ Expressions used to confirm or choose available services. - Votre carte sera prête dans quelques minutes.
→ An expression used to inform you that the procedure is complete and to indicate the waiting time.
