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  • Remember deadlinesAdd a date and get a reminder by e-mail or in your calendar.
  • Words explained simplyOfficial German like “Bescheid” or “Frist” in everyday words.
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Everyday city life

Get a library card

Official name: Prepare your own library card and first loan

This is about your own library card at Büchereien Wien. With the card you can borrow books and other media. You learn how to sign up, what it costs and when to bring things back.

Check what applies to me

No account · Answers stay in your browser

Steps
7 key steps, up to 15 depending on your situation
For you
5 short questions, then you see your steps
Main office
Büchereien Wien
Costs
Fees from 1 January 2026: annual card 45 euros, reduced 15 euros, day card 6 euros. A few other steps may cost something too.
Online
possible for 4 of 15 steps
What applies to you?How it worksFrequently asked questionsSourcesSimilar plans

How it works

These are the key steps, in the right order. Answer the short questions; then you see exactly what applies to you and what is added.

  1. 1Check if you are new to the libraryRegistration (Einschreibung) means: you sign up at the library. This is about your first card as an adult.Key step
    Why?
    Maybe you already have an account or a digital number. Then you first clarify its status. Children and institutions have their own rules.
    What you do
    Not sure? Then ask Büchereien Wien directly.
    Where?
    Büchereien WienDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Distinguish first registration from existing account

    This route concerns your adult card. If an account or digital membership number already exists, first clarify its actual status. Children, institutions and other card categories have their own requirements.

    SourceBüchereien Wien: aktuell verlinkte AGB, Mai 2025
    Büchereien Wien: aktuell verlinkte AGB, Mai 2025

    Stadt Wien · Büchereien · retrieved on 11/10/2026

    Open original source
  2. 2Have your ID and address readyAn official photo ID is an ID from the state with your photo. Your postal address is where your letters arrive.Key step
    Why?
    To sign up you need a valid photo ID and an Austrian postal address. A Vienna main residence, a passport or a new Meldezettel is not automatically needed for this.
    What you do
    Have your ID and address ready. Missing something? Then ask the library directly.
    Where?
    Büchereien WienDirectly with the named service

    What you need

    • Valid official photo ID
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      Present through confirmed ordinary in-person route; directly clarify accepted form.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceBüchereien Wien: aktuell verlinkte AGB, Mai 2025
      Büchereien Wien: aktuell verlinkte AGB, Mai 2025

      Stadt Wien · Büchereien · retrieved on 11/10/2026

      Open original source
    In detail

    Privately have Austrian postal address and ID ready

    Registration requires valid official photo ID and Austrian postal address. Infer no universal Vienna main-residence, passport or new residence-certificate requirement. Directly clarify missing records and actual form with library.

    SourceBüchereien Wien: Einschreibung
    Büchereien Wien: Einschreibung

    Stadt Wien · Büchereien · retrieved on 11/10/2026

    Open original source
  3. 3Choose a year card or day cardThere are different cards. The annual card (Jahreskarte) lasts a year. With the day card (Tageskarte) you borrow once for four weeks.Key step
    Why?
    As of 1.1.2026: annual card 45 euros, reduced 15 euros, day card 6 euros. Reduced means: you pay less. The day card has no extension and no online holds.
    What you do
    Choose the card that fits. Confirm it with the library before you pay. Special cards are clarified separately.
    Where?
    Büchereien WienDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Compare annual card, day card or confirmed reduction

    Fees from 1 January 2026: annual card 45 euros, reduced 15 euros, day card 6 euros. Day card for one four-week loan, without extension or online holds. Confirm your current card route before payment; separately clarify other special categories.

    SourceBüchereien Wien: Gebühren ab 1.1.2026
    Büchereien Wien: Gebühren ab 1.1.2026

    Stadt Wien · Büchereien · retrieved on 11/10/2026

    Open original source
  4. 4Find a library and its opening hoursA branch (Zweigstelle) is a library in a district. The main library (Hauptbücherei) is the big central library.Key step
    Why?
    You can sign up at branches or at the main library. Each branch has its own opening hours.
    What you do
    Main library: Urban-Loritz-Platz 2a, phone +43 1 4000-84500. Usually Mon–Fri 11–19, Sat 11–17. Check holidays first; the return machine is not a place to sign up.
    Where?
    Büchereien WienDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Review appropriate branch and current opening

    Registration is possible at branches or main library. Main library: Urban-Loritz-Platz 2a, +43 1 4000-84500; ordinarily Mon–Fri 11:00–19:00, Sat 11:00–17:00. Directly check holidays and special days. A 24/7 returns machine does not mean registration at any time. Other branches have individual hours.

    SourceHauptbücherei: Standort und Öffnungszeiten
    Hauptbücherei: Standort und Öffnungszeiten

    Stadt Wien · Büchereien · retrieved on 11/10/2026

    Open original source
  5. 5Check if you can sign up onlineYou may also be able to sign up online. Online means: on the internet.Key step
    Why?
    The official page links to an online registration. After that you get an email.
    What you do
    Is the form not working? Then ask the library about the current way. You can also ask how to do it in person.
    Where?
    Büchereien WienDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Confirm currently available online entry

    Official registration page links online registration with membership fees and subsequent email. If form is unavailable ask library for current access or in-person alternative. Clarify with the library whether ID Austria is needed, whether anything comes by post and when the card is active.

    SourceBüchereien Wien: Einschreibung
    Büchereien Wien: Einschreibung

    Stadt Wien · Büchereien · retrieved on 11/10/2026

    Open original source
  6. 6Prepare your sign-upNow you prepare your sign-up. You have chosen the way, the proof and the card.Key step
    Why?
    Preparing alone is not yet a membership. Only signing up at the library counts.
    What you do
    Sign up yourself at the library. There you agree to the rules and pay.
    Where?
    Büchereien WienDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Prepare your confirmed own registration

    Use only confirmed route, appropriate private evidence and own card or fee category. Personally register, accept terms and pay with library; preparation is no issued or paid membership.

    SourceBüchereien Wien: aktuell verlinkte AGB, Mai 2025
    Büchereien Wien: aktuell verlinkte AGB, Mai 2025

    Stadt Wien · Büchereien · retrieved on 11/10/2026

    Open original source
  7. 7Borrow and note the return dateA loan means: you take an item home and bring it back later. The return deadline is the day it must be back.Key step
    Why?
    You usually have books for four weeks, other media for less. The email reminder is not binding. Set your own reminder.
    What you do
    Check your card, the items and your receipt with the return date. Normally you can return at any branch. Bestseller items go back only to the main library.
    Where?
    Büchereien WienDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Review first loan and actual return deadline

    Review received card or number and validity, check complete media and note actual recording and return date. Books usually four weeks, other media shorter; your receipt matters. Email reminder is non-binding: set your own reminder. Return bestseller-service items only to main library; ordinary returns generally any branch.

    SourceBüchereien Wien: Entlehnung und Rückgabe
    Büchereien Wien: Entlehnung und Rückgabe

    Stadt Wien · Büchereien · retrieved on 11/10/2026

    Open original source

Depending on your situation, this is added

  • Check if you already have an account
  • Show that you may pay less
  • Check extra fees and how to pay
  • Read the library rules
  • Check your online sign-up instead of re-registering
  • Ask about the number on your physical card
  • Renew your card or report it lost
  • Ask about other cards, like for children
Use the questions to find out which of these apply to you
Tailored to you

What applies to you?

Answer a few short questions. The steps change right away: what does not apply to you drops out.

Question 1 of at most 5

How far along are you with your library card?

What is meant? Here you choose how far along you are. For example: you are starting, or you already have a card.

What is the actual card or usage stage?
  • No sign-up needed
  • Nothing is sent to authorities
  • You submit applications yourself

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this online?

4 of 15 possible steps mention an online channel in their text. Requirements are in the official source.

What does it cost?

Costs or fees are stated for 2 steps according to the source; details are listed with each step.

Do I need an einfach.wien account?

No. The plan works without registration; answers stay in your browser.

Does einfach.wien submit my application?

No. einfach.wien helps you prepare and links official channels. You submit applications yourself to the responsible service.

What this page is based on

The information is based on official sources. einfach.wien is a private project; the content has not been professionally reviewed. All information without guarantee, no legal advice. The responsible office is always authoritative.

SourceBüchereien Wien: aktuell verlinkte AGB, Mai 2025
Büchereien Wien: aktuell verlinkte AGB, Mai 2025

Stadt Wien · Büchereien · retrieved on 11/10/2026

Open original source
SourceBüchereien Wien: Einschreibung
Büchereien Wien: Einschreibung

Stadt Wien · Büchereien · retrieved on 11/10/2026

Open original source
SourceBüchereien Wien: Gebühren ab 1.1.2026
Büchereien Wien: Gebühren ab 1.1.2026

Stadt Wien · Büchereien · retrieved on 11/10/2026

Open original source
SourceHauptbücherei: Standort und Öffnungszeiten
Hauptbücherei: Standort und Öffnungszeiten

Stadt Wien · Büchereien · retrieved on 11/10/2026

Open original source
SourceBüchereien Wien: Entlehnung und Rückgabe
Büchereien Wien: Entlehnung und Rückgabe

Stadt Wien · Büchereien · retrieved on 11/10/2026

Open original source

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