Forty-one thousand five hundred books. That’s how many treasures reside within the walls of Bucherei Liesing. A quiet haven in Vienna’s 23rd district. This isn’t just any library. It’s a piece of Vienna’s rich history.
Bucherei Liesing is one of 39 branches belonging to the extensive network of Stadtbibliotheken. This network provides vital access to books and information for the citizens of Vienna. It’s a testament to Vienna’s commitment to public education and literacy. The library system itself has a fascinating past. It originated in 1936. The city took over existing public libraries previously run by various associations.
Before 1936 public libraries in Vienna were not as common. Countries like England and Scandinavia had developed city-wide library systems around 1900. Vienna lagged. However Viennese workers’ organizations had already started to establish their own libraries for the masses. This movement was a significant contributor to the foundation of what became the city’s official library system.
The rise of Austrofascism and then Nazism disrupted this progressive movement. Many libraries were seized. The libraries were put under strict censorship. Thousands of titles were banned. The collection of the libraries was altered to align with the ideologies of the regime. Books written by Jewish authors were removed.
After World War II the city’s libraries began to rebuild. They added children’s and young adult sections. They also improved access through mobile book buses. These buses served areas without easy access to a physical branch. This service operated from 1958 until 2009.
Bucherei Liesing itself stands as a modern branch of this system. It offers a wide range of materials. Books audio CDs DVDs and even computer games are available for lending. This branch is a hub of learning and community engagement in Liesing. It plays an essential part in the literary landscape of Vienna. Remember. It’s a part of a larger story a story of public access to knowledge and culture. It’s a story written across decades within the pages of countless books. And a story that continues to be written today within the walls of Bucherei Liesing.