The library

Saturday, Steven and I went to the main Vienna library. If you haven't discovered it yet, try it out. In fact, you have probably seen it. You know that modern brick building between the inner and outer guertel roads with the long staircase going up the outside? That's it.

The library is easily reached by U-bahn: It is above the U6 station Urban Loritz Platz - Stadthalle. To drive, take the Guertel around. There are a limited number of Kurzpark spots. Alternatively you can park in the garage of Lugner City and walk across the bridge. Both can be reached from the outer Guertel. Stay left for the Kurzpark places in the parallel lane or right for the garage.

To borrow books or other media you will need a card. This costs a small amount for adults, but is free for children. With the card you can borrow books for four weeks. Other media: videos, DVDs, CDs, CD-roms cost an additional Euro for two weeks. Overdues cost .60 per week. However, with the possibility of renewing online, you shouldn't really have overdues very often, unless you get carried away and borrow the full 25 items you are allowed at once.

The collection of English language fiction was recently greatly enlarged. For non-fiction, the books are mixed into the rest of the collection. There are quite a few books in English in the science and technology section, and there are usually some on display. There are also a fair number of children's books in English. DVDs, of course, are usually multi-lingual, but the video section also has several in English. You can check the catalog either at the library or at home on-line. I also like to check out the section of books on Vienna and Austria to learn more about things we have recently visited. Here nearly everything is in German, but even if you don't read German you might want to borrow books of historical pictures of your district. Of course needlework patterns are usable whatever language the book is written in. Books of music are also there, including those with practice CDs. Whatever your instrument or genre, you will find something to play or sing.

If you don't have internet at home, there is the possibility to go online at the library. Steven does this during school vacations, as we keep his computer off the web. The library is also a great place for people watching. It is one place where you really do believe the figures that 30% of those living in Vienna are immigrants.