Abstract: The National Library of France (BnF) originated in the King’s Library under the reign of Charles V (1338-1380). Over six centuries, the BnF underwent several changes. Every major turning point coincides with changes of society and changes in the relationship between society and knowledge. In other words, the history of the BnF reflects that of French society. Since the 1990s, human knowledge has entered a new phase of digital transformation. Meanwhile, the BnF started the Mitterrand Library Project with the objective of building the “world’s largest and most advanced library. ” After the printed book collection was moved from the Richelieu site to the Mitterrand site in 1998, the former remained home to special collections of manuscripts, prints, photographs, maps, coins, antiques, music, and performing arts. At the beginning of the 21st century, we asked ourselves how to improve the storage conditions, public service and internal functions of old buildings of Richelieu, in order to align them with the new social knowledge structure. In 2011, after nearly a decade of reflection and investigation, the renovation project of the Richelieu site started. The first phase of the works was completed at the end of 2016. The second phase is expected to be delivered by 2020. This article intends to review the historical changes of the Richelieu site, and explore the relationship between a library modernization project and the evolution of society.

Key words: History of the National Library of France