GeoSphere Austria library finds space in the Floridsdorf book depot

The book depot opened on 7 May 2025 by Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner offers space for 130,000 linear metres of books. In addition to the University of Vienna, which takes up the largest share of the space with 109,000 linear metres, the TU Wien, the University of Applied Arts Vienna, the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna and GeoSphere Austria are also represented.

The building, constructed by the Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft (BIG), is an energy-saving timber hybrid building designed by architects Pittino & Ortner and combines a reinforced concrete skeleton with timber. The building is operated without fossil fuels and utilises renewable resources such as geothermal and solar energy. The book depot fulfils the latest standards for libraries in terms of long-term storage (temperature, humidity, etc.) and fire protection (gas extinguishing system).

The GeoSphere Austria library, which has locations in Neulinggasse and Hohe Warte, stores historically valuable holdings here, which are thus secured for the long term. ‘The space this frees up in Neulinggasse and Hohe Warte opens up opportunities to take on new acquisitions, such as bequests and estates,’ says Thomas Hofmann (Head of the Library, Publishing and Archive Department).