Vienna celebrates literary culture and bookstores

Vienna is celebrating the importance of literary culture through Book Day and the “Book Weeks in the Coffee House” initiative. Approximately 400 bookstores in Vienna play a vital role in curating diverse literature, helping readers discover regional and small-scale publications beyond mainstream bestsellers.

While digital reading is growing, with e-book users in Austria projected to reach 2.19 million by 2030, printed books remain the most popular format with an estimated 3.29 million readers. Experts suggest that print and digital formats coexist rather than compete.

The Wirtschaftskammer Wien is also hosting “Book Weeks in the Coffee House” until October 22. This event features approximately 20,000 free books, primarily with connections to Vienna, distributed across participating coffee houses. The initiative includes several readings and will conclude with the Vienna Crime Prize and the 22nd Crime Night, involving over 30 coffee houses.