Austria promotes literacy through BookCrossing and regional reading events

In Austria, initiatives are being launched to address declining literacy rates and promote reading culture. The Burgenland Adult Education Centers (VHS) are conducting ‘BookCrossing’ events in Eisenstadt, Oberwart, and Neusiedl am See, where books are distributed for free in public spaces to encourage reading. This initiative aims to raise awareness regarding the fact that 29 percent of adults in Austria struggle with reading comprehension.

To support basic skills, the Burgenland VHS offers specialized courses featuring individual instruction followed by small-group sessions. Approximately 300 participants are currently enrolled, with 180 working toward their compulsory school leaving certificates.

Additionally, the ‘Das Land liest’ (The Country Reads) event series will take place in Lower Austria from September 16 to 26. The program features readings and discussions by various Austrian and international authors across 15 library locations, aiming to turn libraries into hubs for literary exchange.