Büchereien Wien

What Büchereien Wien does

B\u00fcchereien Wien is the public library system of the City of Vienna, Austria, operated as part of Magistratsabteilung 13 (MA 13) for Education and Youth. Founded in 1887, the system today comprises 37 branch libraries (Zweigstellen) plus the central Hauptb\u00fccherei am G\u00fcrtel and the Bibliotheksp\u00e4dagogisches Zentrum, distributed across Vienna's 2nd through 23rd districts. It serves Vienna residents and visitors with an Austrian postal address, holding approximately 1.4 million physical media items (books, CDs, DVDs, vinyl, console games, sheet music, periodicals) supplemented by 90,000+ digital titles across four lending platforms: the Virtuelle B\u00fccherei (Onleihe, ~70,000 German-language titles), Overdrive eLibrary/Libby (~17,000 English eBooks and German/English eAudios), Austria Kiosk, and PressReader (7,000+ international publications in 60 languages). In 2025 the system recorded 6.6 million loans, 950,000 digital loans, and approximately 167,000 active users.

The underlying technology stack is built on third-party platforms rather than proprietary systems. The OCLC OPEN library management system (DotNetNuke-based) powers the online catalog, user accounts, and self-service kiosks present in almost all branches. Digital lending is delivered through partner platforms (divibib Onleihe, OverDrive Libby, PressReader, APA-DeFacto Austria Kiosk), with cover images sourced from ekz.bibliotheksservice. Extended Open Library hours (Mon-Fri 10:00-22:00) at four branches use automated card readers and door-access systems. In-house fabrication and content offerings include the Makerspace (3D printing, vinyl cutting, embroidery), B\u00fccherei der Dinge non-media lending, Kirango children's areas, Pen & Paper role-playing sessions, the SommerLeseClub, and Kino am Dach open-air cinema. Specialized services include the Kinderb\u00fccherei der Weltsprachen (multilingual children's collection in 50+ languages), a Bibliotheksp\u00e4dagogisches Zentrum lending didactic materials to Vienna schools and kindergartens, and a home delivery service for mobility-impaired users operating since 1982.

The revenue model is primarily municipal tax-based funding through the City of Vienna budget, supplemented by membership fees: €45/year for standard adult cards, €15/year for reduced-rate cards (students, low-income, Kulturpass/Mobilpass holders), and €6 day cards. Children and youth under 18, asylum seekers, and institutional borrowers (schools, kindergartens) receive free cards. The system is led by Director Bernhard P\u00f6ckl (since February 2022) with approximately 28 central staff and a regional management structure (Nordost, S\u00fcdost, S\u00fcdwest, Nordwest) plus six thematic colleges at the Hauptb\u00fccherei. As a governmental entity, B\u00fcchereien Wien does not pursue commercial revenue, M&A, venture funding, or expansion beyond Vienna's municipal boundaries.

Name

Büchereien Wien

Legal name

Magistratsabteilung 13 - Stadt Wien - Büchereien

Website

https://buechereien.wien.at

Company type

Private

Founded year

1887

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

B\u00fcchereien Wien is the municipal public library system of Vienna, Austria, operating 37 branches plus a central library under MA 13 of the City of Vienna. It serves 167,000 active members with 1.4 million physical and digital media items, recording 6.6 million annual loans through OCLC-based infrastructure and four digital lending platforms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (5192)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC), Library Collections & Cataloging Services (Acquisitions, Metadata, Circulation) (EDAEAGAE), Special Libraries (Law, Medical, Corporate, Government) Operations (EDAEAGAD), Libraries, Archives & Special Collections (BPAGAHAF)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Library lending
• Digital media lending
• Children's library programs
• Community library system

Headquarters

HQ city

Vienna

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices39 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Municipal Public Funding: Primary funding from the City of Vienna (Stadt Wien) through the MA 13 (Magistratsabteilung 13 - Stadt Wien - Büchereien). As a public cultural and educational institution, the library receives tax-based municipal funding.
2. Membership Fees: Annual library cards (€45 standard, €15 reduced), day passes (€6), and various fees (reservation fees €1.60, late fees €0.40/day adults, €0.20/day children, replacement cards €4, address searches €6, bestsellers €3.90). Children and youth under 18 receive free cards.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Büchereien Wien operates the public library system of the City of Vienna through 37 branch libraries plus a main library, lending physical and digital media items (books, CDs, DVDs, eBooks, ePapers) on a membership basis. The Hauptbücherei am Gürtel serves as the flagship location with 380,000 items across six thematic colleges, while the system collectively holds 1.4 million media items and supports 6.6 million annual loans. Membership is free for under-18s and offers annual, reduced, and day-card subscription tiers.

Product overview

Büchereien Wien operates as a unified multi-branch public library system with a hybrid physical-digital portfolio. The core offering combines 1.4 million physical media items (books, CDs, DVDs, vinyl, console games, sheet music, periodicals) across 36-37 branches plus a main library, with four digital lending platforms — Virtuelle Bücherei (Onleihe, ~70,000 German eBooks/ePapers), Overdrive eLibrary (Libby, ~17,000 English eBooks and German/English eAudios), Austria Kiosk (ePapers), and PressReader (7,000+ international publications). The portfolio is extended by experiential services including the Makerspace workshop (3D printing, vinyl cutting, embroidery), Bücherei der Dinge (things lending), the branded children's program Kirango, Pen & Paper role-playing sessions, the SommerLeseClub reading program, a Bibliothekspädagogisches Zentrum for school lending, Open Library self-service hours at four branches, and an annual rooftop cinema. All services are accessed through a unified library card and the online catalog.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Virtuelle Bücherei (Onleihe): Digital lending platform for German-language eBooks, ePapers, and eMagazines - approximately 70,000 titles
• Overdrive-eLibrary (Libby)
• Büchereicast
• Kino am Dach

Products and services

• Physical Media Lending (Entlehnung) Traditional library lending of physical media including books, CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, vinyl records, console games, sheet music, periodicals, and Tonies across all 37 branches. Maximum 25 physical items per library card. Email reminders are sent 4 days before loan expiry.
• Virtuelle Bücherei (Onleihe) Digital library platform for lending approximately 70,000 German-language eBooks, ePapers, and eMagazines around the clock. Available via web and the Onleihe app on e-readers, tablets, and smartphones. Automatic return prevents overdue fees.
• Overdrive-eLibrary (Libby) Digital library platform for approximately 17,000 English-language eBooks and German/English eAudiobooks via the Libby app. Includes access to Project Gutenberg public domain titles. Automatic return prevents overdue fees. German-language eAudios were added in January 2021.
• Austria Kiosk Digital newspaper and magazine stand offering Austrian and international ePapers. Unlimited access on library Wi-Fi or library PCs; limited to 15 issues per month for external users.
• PressReader International ePaper portal providing access to over 7,000 newspapers and magazines from 120 countries in 60 languages.
• Makerspace Digital and textile workshop at Bücherei Neues Landgut offering 3D printing (Prusa MINI+), vinyl cutting (Silhouette Cameo 5), heat press (iXpress Pro), embroidery (Brother Innovis M340ED), and green screen video production. Open every last Thursday and following Friday of the month.
• Bücherei der Dinge (Library of Things) Lending service for non-media items including tools, toys, sports equipment, e-readers, sewing machines, and more. Available at four branch locations. Maximum 3 items, 2-week loan period.
• Bibliothekspädagogisches Zentrum (BPZ) Educational resource center lending didactic media including thematic boxes, classroom reading sets, picture book cinema (Kamishibai), digiboxes, and school films to Vienna schools and kindergartens. Also provides access to Onilo digital boardstories for kindergartens, primary, and special schools.
• Open Library Extended self-service opening hours (Mon-Fri 10:00-22:00) at four branches (Margareten, Neues Landgut, Hietzing, Seestadt Aspern) for cardholders aged 14 and older. No staff present during extended hours; access via automated card readers and door systems.
• Kino am Dach Open-air cinema on the rooftop terrace of the Hauptbücherei, held annually from June 1 to September 12. The 2026 theme is "Mind Games," exploring perception of reality and truth.
• SommerLeseClub Summer reading club for children and youth ages 6-14. Participants rate borrowed books, films, and other media to earn collectible stickers and enter a prize drawing.
• Pen & Paper (Role-Playing Games) Role-playing game program offering monthly sessions (first Saturday, 1:00-4:30 PM) at the main library, a collection of rulebooks for loan, and a group room available on Fridays. Starter boxes available for in-library use. Different RPG systems offered each month.

Quantifiable outcome

• 6.6 million loans processed in 2025
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• divibib GmbH (Onleihe)coreTechnology or IntegrationProvides the Onleihe digital lending platform (Virtuelle Bücherei Wien) enabling 24/7 access to 70,000 German-language eBooks, ePapers, and eMagazines for library members.
• OverDrive, Inc. (Libby/eLibrary)coreTechnology or IntegrationProvides the Overdrive eLibrary platform for English-language eBooks and German/English eAudios. Offers Libby app for mobile access and integration of Project Gutenberg public domain titles.
• APA-DeFacto Datenbank & Contentmanagement GmbH (Austria Kiosk)coreTechnology or IntegrationProvides Austria Kiosk platform for Austrian and international digital newspapers and magazines as ePapers. Available through FreeLounge (limited) or unlimited on library WiFi/PCs.
• PressReader International LimitedcoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides access to over 7,000 international newspapers and magazines from 120 countries in 60 languages via PressReader platform.
• Chess UnlimitedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation partner for Schach-Café (Chess Café) events held in the main library foyer (15:00-18:30). Regular weekly chess playing sessions open to all.
• 3W6, Einmal Leiwand, ParadiceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation partners for monthly Pen & Paper (tabletop role-playing game) sessions held in the main library. Different systems offered each month (Dread, Vampire: The Masquerade, Pathfinder, Dungeons & Dragons).
• MA 13 - Bildung und Jugend (City of Vienna)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBüchereien Wien is part of MA 13 (Municipal Department 13 for Education and Youth). The department provides municipal funding and administrative oversight for the library system.
• OCLCcoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides the OPEN library management system (DotNetNuke-based) powering the library catalog, self-service kiosks, user accounts, and website infrastructure.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Münchner Stadtbibliothek: Munich's municipal public library system operates across multiple branches serving a similar major German-speaking city. Directly comparable in scale, service model (digital lending via Onleihe, multilingual collections, event programming), and municipal governance structure.
• Toronto Public Library: Toronto Public Library operates 100+ branches with similar hybrid lending, multilingual collections, and innovation programs (Makerspace equivalents). A leading North American peer with comparable digital transformation trajectory and municipal funding model.
• Chicago Public Library: Chicago Public Library operates 80+ branches with digital lending, Makerspace programming, and free youth access. A major US municipal library peer with comparable urban demographic and equity-focused service offerings.
• New York Public Library: NYPL is one of the world's largest public library systems with 90+ branches serving New York City. Operates a comparable hybrid physical-digital lending model with extensive programming, multilingual collections, and free youth access—though on a larger scale.
• Hamburg Bücherhallen: Hamburg's public library network operates 30+ branches with Onleihe integration and event programming. Directly comparable German municipal library system with similar operational structure and service breadth.
• Stadtbibliothek Berlin: Berlin's public library system is operated as a municipal institution with multiple branches, digital lending via Onleihe, and similar multilingual programming. Comparable service scope and municipal funding model, though serving a larger urban population.
• Stockholms stadsbibliotek: Stockholm's municipal library system serves a similar-sized Nordic capital with comparable multilingual needs, event programming, and digital lending infrastructure. Directly comparable in mission, scale, and municipal governance.
• Stadtbibliothek Köln: Cologne's municipal public library system serves a comparable-sized German city with multiple branches, Onleihe digital lending, and similar cultural programming offerings. Operates under the same municipal funding model.

Broad incumbents

• British Library: The British Library is the UK's national library with much broader scope (legal deposit, national archive) than a municipal public library. Relevant as an incumbent operator in the library sector but serves a fundamentally different mandate.

Others

• OverDrive, Inc. OverDrive provides the Libby/eLibrary digital lending platform used by Büchereien Wien and most public libraries globally. They are an enabling technology partner rather than a competitor, but represent the commercial digital lending ecosystem the library must navigate.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/buechereienwien
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/buechereienwien
• Facebookfacebook.com/buechereien.wien
• Instagraminstagram.com/buechereien.wien
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/b%C3%BCchereien-wien

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Büchereien Wien