Located in a grand neo-classical building in Parc des Bastions, the Bibliothèque de Genève is the University of Geneva library. The library hosts events such as exhibitions, conferences, talks, and workshops. Noteworthy among its regular programs is the December exhibition on the history of the Escalade, and the recurring event “Les jeudis midi à l’affiche,” featuring guest speakers discussing graphic posters from the library’s collection.
Dany Gignoux (photographer) and poet Georges Haldas present a compelling dialogue between documentary photography and lyrical prose. The exhibition brings together photographs and written fragments that register everyday life in Geneva’s cafés, combining on-the-spot reportage with memory-infused “prose inspirée.” Through intimate black-and-white images and spare, evocative texts the works transfigure mundane scenes into poetic testimony, revealing social undercurrents and human tenderness. Archival materials frame this historic encounter between two generations of cultural chroniclers.
Panelists Edward Mandry (Paulette publisher), Mathilde Petit (Lesbian Archives, Paris), Aurore Turbiau (UNIL) and Agnès Vannouvong (UNIGE) bring curatorial, archival and academic perspectives; moderated by Taline Garibian (UNIGE).
This roundtable examines LGBTQIA+ written production in French-speaking Switzerland since the 1970s, exploring mechanisms of invisibilization in literary scholarship and criticism. Panelists investigate archival traces, map cultural histories and discuss methodological tools to reveal norms, prohibitions and social changes reflected in marginalized literary practices.
In French.
Independent Geneva-based graphic designer Maurane Zaugg delves into printmaking techniques with a creative and collaborative approach, dedicating herself to artistic, cultural, and political projects. This talk highlights the library’s collection and showcases the vibrancy of regional graphic design.
In French.
Festival Borges presents a multidisciplinary programme exploring the life, work and legacy of Jorge Luis Borges. Organised by Los Conjurados in collaboration with the Spanish Department at UNIGE, the festival brings together scholarly perspectives, readings and critical discussions that examine Borges’s literary themes, influences and cultural impact. Participants will gain insights into his narrative strategies, philosophical motifs and transnational significance within Latin American and global literature.
In Spanish.
This guided visit explores the evolution of the city’s library from its foundation in the 16th century to the present, examining how collections have been assembled, conserved and transmitted across generations. It investigates the institution’s core missions—collection, preservation and public access—and discusses archival and conservation practices, curatorial decisions and the role of libraries in shaping cultural memory. Participants gain insight into how heritage is managed and why it matters for civic identity.
Dates:
Thursday 15 January, 12:15
Thursday 19 March, 18:00
Friday 8 May, 12:15
In French.
Elodie Paupe and Jean-Claude Rebetez spotlight criminal archives from the Ancien Régime through a digital transcription platform. This innovative project is co-organized by the Library of Geneva and the Digital Humanities Chair at the University of Geneva.
In French.
Culture, curated weekly.
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