The books were presented to the library by French ambassador to Hungary René Roudaut in the presence of Budapest Mayor Gábor Demszky.
"We have received historical works, travel guides, contemporary French literature, art series and language learning materials," said library director Péter Fodor.
Among the new books are some Hungarian translations of French works published with the support of France's foreign ministry as well as some French translations of Hungarian works. The books will be added to the Szabó Ervin Library's existing collection of 21,325 French works, including 15,474 books, 1,202 audio materials, 2,673 pieces of sheet music and 13 periodicals.
Fodor noted the importance of the French information point that recently started operating at the library. The point offers practical information about travel, study and research in France. The library has a similar information point established with the British Council, he added.
The Szabó Ervin Library has benefited before from its relationship with the French Cultural Institute. Some library staff have participated in training courses in France, and the library was awarded 300 French language children's books as part of the BNP Paribas pour Lire programme in the summer of 2002.
Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI)
