25,000 books, mostly acquired between 1789 and 1914, now make up the former collection of the Municipal Library.
Gray’s first library was created during the revolutionary period, following the rescue of many books and manuscripts made by the Graylois in the libraries of the teaching congregations of the city, the neighbouring abbeys and the homes of the emigrants. Open to the public, it was located in the former convent of the Cordeliers.
It was in 1859 that the present library next to the City Hall was built. Conceived as a ceremonial place, it communicated with the mayor’s office. It opened its doors on January 1, 1860.