The question of public reading - of access to published works, news-papers, and to information in general - is a major challenge in developing countries. Public reading does not replace education or literacy policies. It is far more important because it firmly establishes access to knowledge into day-to-day reality, and gives everyone the possibility of an opening on the world. It meets the expectations of local populations, notably those in remote areas, as is shown by nearly three million admissions and more than one million books lent each year in the two hundred and thirteen Reading and cultural activity centres set up by the Agence Intergouverne-mentale de la Francophonie in eighteen countries in Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean and the Middle East. In addition to giving access to books and newspapers, they allow access to the media (radio, television, video), to computers, sometimes to the Internet. More than simple libraries, these centres host cultural activities such as conferences, theatrical and musical events, training sessions (on health, agriculture, etc.). In view of this success, many governments of developing countries want to develop a genuine public reading policy at a national level 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]