The Austrian National Library had chronically suffered from a shortage of space ever since its times as a court library. Ideas for a new building or plans for a possible fusion with the University Library were dismissed.
For the user area in particular, a major improvement of the spatial setting was brought about in 1966, when the Main Reading Room and the Magazines Reading Room opened at the Neue Burg, which had previously housed an orthopaedic hospital. With 200 seats in the Main Reading Room and 60 seats in the Magazines Reading Room, plus a spacious catalogue area, the library’s services for users were thus substantially upgraded.
The Augustinian Reading Room will be closed on February 10, 2025. As a substitute, the Reading Room of the Collection of Manuscripts and Old Prints (Josefsplatz 1 in the left wing of the building, Manuscripts Staircase 2nd floor) will be available during regular opening hours.
Thank you for your understanding.
Due to an event, the State Hall will close at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 27.
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