Lower Austrian State Library - a large ornate room with a large ceiling and many bookshelves
1 / 10

Lower Austrian State Library

4.6
·53 reviews·Sankt Pölten, Austria

A modern, well-equipped library with a vibrant children's area and unique resources, though often bustling with activity.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, potentially quieter

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Lower Austrian State Library - a large ornate room with a large ceiling and many bookshelves

Lower Austrian State Library

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, potentially quieter

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A modern, well-equipped library with a vibrant children's area and unique resources, though often bustling with activity.

4.6
(53 reviews)

"Beautiful space, but be prepared for noise – it's more of a lively hub than a silent sanctuary."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 Respect the Quiet Zones

If you need absolute silence, seek out designated quiet areas. Be mindful of others trying to concentrate.

☕ Grab an Espresso

Enjoy a coffee break at the library's cafe for a little pick-me-up during your visit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Children's Area

Vibrant Children's Area

Ground Floor

A fantastic, cozy space with a play area, ample seating, and a huge selection of books and media for kids.

Modern Workspaces

Modern Workspaces

Various Floors

Comfortable reading corners and well-designed workstations offer a pleasant environment for study and work.

Seed Library

Seed Library

Specific Section

A unique and thoughtful addition, offering a sustainable resource for the community.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Buzz (or Seek Silence)

This modern library is a vibrant hub, but be prepared for noise. While it boasts excellent resources, many visitors report significant background chatter and phone calls. If absolute quiet is your priority, consider visiting during off-peak hours or exploring designated quiet zones if available.

Modern Amenities & Accessibility

Enjoy a well-equipped space with features like scooter parking, a dog filling station, and barrier-free access via elevator. The children's area is particularly praised for its coziness and extensive media selection, making it a great spot for families.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, potentially quieter
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Students may have left
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🤫 Respect the Quiet Zones

If you need absolute silence, seek out designated quiet areas. Be mindful of others trying to concentrate. Reddit

☕ Grab an Espresso

Enjoy a coffee break at the library's cafe for a little pick-me-up during your visit. Reddit

🚗 Easy Parking Options

Benefit from convenient scooter parking and a dog filling station upon arrival. Reddit

📚 Self-Service Returns

Utilize the easy return station for a quick and efficient book drop-off. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🤫 Respect the Quiet Zones

If you need absolute silence, seek out designated quiet areas. Be mindful of others trying to concentrate. Reddit

☕ Grab an Espresso

Enjoy a coffee break at the library's cafe for a little pick-me-up during your visit. Reddit

🚗 Easy Parking Options

Benefit from convenient scooter parking and a dog filling station upon arrival. Reddit

📚 Self-Service Returns

Utilize the easy return station for a quick and efficient book drop-off. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(53 reviews)

Reviews Summary

This modern library is praised for its beautiful design, excellent children's area, and unique seed library. However, a significant number of visitors find the atmosphere unpleasantly loud due to constant chatter and phone calls, detracting from its potential as a quiet study space. Reddit

"3/27/25: Unfortunately it's the loudest place ever. Extremely unpleasant. In the top floor there is someone sitting in a hanging chair and talking on the phone with a loudspeaker, so you can set up a library in the U6.

There is also someone on the first floor with a cell phone making calls. "It's my first time here" - on earth or how can the concept of libraries and reading be so foreign to you...

The students who do homework also sit on the first floor. Of course they talk. That's still possible, but there should be a separate room for it.

The other places do not have sockets.

People who need peace and quiet have no access here and are not included; the loud ones have a priority. Basically, in the open spaces with the wsl. Highly talented diaper wearers shouted across the room and loud talking is the order of the day anyway. It's so low level.

Pros: Best books, seed library, just so well thought out.

My dream vacation would be a week in the Bib St. Pölten in a small attic room. You just take a week off and can just read the whole time. I would book immediately.
(Minus the low-level people who unfortunately can't be stopped).

-------------------------------

3/14/25: Unfortunately I have to revise the positive rating. It's so unbelievably loud, nobody here has any manners, the most unbelievable adults, it's really unbelievable how mannerless the people are, whose children are crazy anyway. Really not necessarily the most educated class. Pretty unbearable. There is constant chattering, yes, whispering is also extremely loud and disturbing. Unfortunately, lost time. You don't even need to start here to work. There is simply no peace.
The fact that cell phones ring and mentally impaired people start singing ("I am the princess, I am the princess") defies any logic.
Unfortunately, no quiet workplaces for adults.
You can't really be in peace before the end of the day.
It's a shame that even after the end of the bib, people think there's no one there anyway and scream at the top of their voices the whole time, for example if they're one floor below.
How about just not talking? How about silence. Just be quiet. Sustain yourself, sit and breathe. Would that be possible? No, you have to babble continuously. Whispering is still talking.

But the room itself is beautiful.
---------------------
12/24: Adorably beautiful, super new, with scooter parking, dog filling station. I love it hard.
With elevator, barrier-free.
Children's room super cozy.

Nice workplaces.

Negative: background noise. Too loud. Cell phones on loud, employees talking loudly, children on the ground floor, doors never closed."

Sinn für das Schöne

"I visited the public library with my daughter for the first time today, and I have to say I'm absolutely thrilled. The children's area is fantastic, with a small play area and plenty of seating for browsing and reading aloud. The selection of children's books, Tonies, and other media is huge.
The same is probably true for the adult books, as I haven't had much time to browse today.
The staff are all incredibly friendly, and registration was quick. Returns are made via a return station where you scan the books yourself.
Highly recommended. ☺️"

Sabrina

"It's just loud.
You can't study normally; there are young Turkish students lying around, talking loudly as if they were at home.
And nobody does anything about it. It's simply a disaster how they let people like that in here, people who don't even study or read, but just lie on the couch or in places where people study. Simply awful.
Otherwise a nice place, but these Turks are ruining everything. It should be regulated."

Ani Zaljan

What People Like

Beautiful modern design
Fantastic children's area
Unique seed library

What People Dislike

Excessive background noise
Lack of quiet for study

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The library is easily accessible by public transport. Many visitors mention using the U6 line, suggesting it's a convenient option. Check local transit apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available, including dedicated spots for scooters. Reddit

Absolutely! The library is barrier-free and equipped with an elevator for easy access to all floors. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the library is generally free, but registration might be required for borrowing books or using specific services. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or local listings before your visit. Some reviews suggest it can be noisy even after closing hours. Reddit

Registration is described as quick and easy, often done at a self-service return station. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

This is a common concern. While it has great resources, many visitors report it can be quite loud due to phone calls, conversations, and children. If you need absolute silence, it might be challenging. Reddit

Some visitors have noted a lack of power outlets in certain areas, which can be inconvenient for students and remote workers. Reddit

The atmosphere is described as modern and well-thought-out, with a beautiful interior. However, the noise level can detract from the typical library tranquility. Reddit

Yes, the children's area is highly praised as fantastic, cozy, and well-equipped with a vast selection of media. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While specific dining facilities aren't heavily mentioned, it's typical for libraries to have restrictions on food and drinks in study areas. However, enjoying an espresso is noted as a positive aspect. Reddit

Information on nearby dining options is limited, but given its likely urban location, there are probably several choices within walking distance. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to check with staff or look for signage regarding photography, especially in study areas, to ensure you're not disturbing others. Reddit

The modern architecture and the well-designed children's area are likely visually appealing spots for photography. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Lower Austrian State Library is a fantastic destination for families. The children's area is a major highlight, offering a safe and engaging space with a play zone and a vast collection of books and media. Parents will appreciate the ample seating for reading together and the overall welcoming atmosphere for younger visitors. Reddit

While the library can get noisy, the dedicated children's section is designed to accommodate the natural energy of kids. It's a great place to foster a love of reading and provide entertainment. Remember to check for any specific rules regarding noise levels in shared spaces, but the children's area itself is built for fun. Reddit

🧑‍🎓 Students & Remote Workers

For students and remote workers, the Lower Austrian State Library offers modern workspaces and a good selection of books. However, the significant noise issues reported by many visitors are a crucial consideration. If you require absolute quiet for deep concentration, this might not be your ideal study spot. Reddit

Some users have noted a lack of power outlets in certain areas, so be sure to bring a fully charged device or a portable power bank. Consider visiting during off-peak hours or utilizing noise-canceling headphones to create your own quiet bubble. The library's resources are valuable, but the ambient noise can be a challenge. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Noise: A Library Experience

The Lower Austrian State Library is a modern facility with a lot to offer, but a recurring theme in visitor feedback is the noise level. Many reviewers express frustration with constant chatter, loud phone calls, and even singing, which significantly impacts the ability to concentrate. This is particularly concerning for those seeking a quiet environment for study or work. Reddit

While the library boasts excellent book selections, including a unique seed library, and comfortable workspaces, the lack of enforced quiet can be a major drawback. Some visitors suggest that certain groups, like students or families with young children, contribute to the noise, and that staff may not always intervene effectively. Reddit

If you plan to visit, it's wise to manage your expectations regarding absolute silence. Consider visiting during less busy times or exploring if there are specific 'quiet zones' designated within the library. Bringing noise-canceling headphones might also be a practical solution for those who need to focus. Reddit

Family-Friendly Features and Amenities

The Lower Austrian State Library shines when it comes to its family-friendly offerings. The children's area is consistently praised as 'fantastic' and 'super cozy,' featuring a small play area and abundant seating for reading aloud. The selection of children's books, Tonies, and other media is extensive, making it a treasure trove for young readers. Reddit

Beyond the children's section, the library is designed for modern convenience. It's barrier-free with elevator access, and offers practical amenities like scooter parking and a dog filling station. The overall design is described as 'adorably beautiful' and 'super new,' contributing to a pleasant visitor experience for all. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2