Austria Libraries abroad

More than 20 years ago, the first ‘Austria Library’ abroad was set up. Today, there are already 56 of these centres, mostly in Southeast Europe, providing information about Austria’s culture, history and language, with books from Austria serving an important ambassadorial role abroad.

The project started in 1986, with the opening of an Austrian reading room in Krakow, initiated by the Cultural Policy Section of the Foreign Ministry. After more than 20 years of development, a small project has grown into a broad network of centres and a well-established platform for intercultural dialogue.

Maintaining cultural contact with the neighbours

The aim of the Austria Libraries is to contribute to the process of integration within the European Union and to offer people in other countries the chance to have cultural contact with Austria. “The Austria Libraries in Central and Southeast Europe are a successful example of our cultural work, which is the envy of many other countries,” explains Dr Emil Brix, Head of the Cultural Policy Section of the Foreign Ministry, with pride.

Focus on Austrian authors

At the heart of the Austria Libraries is the book collection, which features over 300,000 works so far. Almost 13,000 new books were purchased in 2006 alone. Particular value is placed on Austrian literature, as Brix explains: “Literature is the central element of this network of libraries, since it shows how the Austrians see themselves.” The purchase of the books is carried out by the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs in Austria.

Cultural exchange in 25 states

Besides a wide range of literature, the Austria Libraries also offer language courses, organise lectures and readings, show German-language films and organise trips to Austria. In addition, several of the centres run small coffee houses linked to the Libraries, where you can enjoy the authentic Austrian feel as you browse through the books over a coffee.

Worldwide interest in Austria Libraries

The original target area for the Libraries was Southeast Europe, where many German-speaking writers and artists were used to live, either within the former Habsburg monarchy or as part of a German-speaking minority. This means that there has long been a close connection and many common features with Austria, as well as a long tradition of German as the first foreign language. The Libraries and their facilities aim to renew this tradition. In the meantime, many other countries have expressed interest in having an Austria Library. Recently, ones in Israel and Turkey were opened.