Vienna's Library Unveils Forgotten Treasures: 8,000 Abandoned Bookmarks

The Hauptbücherei, Vienna's central library, is not just a repository of books but also a treasure trove of forgotten memories. This architectural marvel, designed by Ernst Mayr and opened in 2003, processes over 1.5 million book loans annually. However, it's not just the books that tell stories; it's the items left behind in them that have captured the imagination of librarians and visitors alike.

For more than two decades, Claudia Bitter and her colleagues have been collecting forgotten bookmarks found in returned books. This unique collection, now numbering over 8,000 items, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the library's diverse patrons. The Hauptbücherei, spanning seven floors and housing over 400,000 media items, has become an inadvertent archive of human experiences.

"When books are returned, sometimes the objects just fall out. I started collecting the objects because the things I found — the photos, notes, prescriptions, a receipt from 1965 — they were just too fascinating to throw away."

The collection is now on display in an exhibition titled "Help, We're Trapped — From the World of the Objects Left Behind in the Books," running until mid-November 2024. This showcase, curated by Bitter and artist Sebastian Kraner, transforms the library's spacious interior into a gallery of forgotten mementos.

Among the items on display are wedding photos, condom wrappers, and even a slice of sausage. One particularly intriguing note reads, "Dear Michi, I hereby tell you to continue the marriage with me!" signed by an unknown Elena. These personal artifacts provide a unique insight into the lives and thoughts of the library's users.

The exhibition also highlights the changing nature of everyday items. Handwritten postcards and paper museum tickets, now increasingly rare in our digital age, serve as reminders of a more analog world. This preservation effort aligns with the library's role as a cultural institution, hosting regular events and exhibitions beyond its primary function.

Interestingly, the Hauptbücherei is more than just a library; it's an architectural landmark with a distinctive shape resembling an open book. Its rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of Vienna, while its energy-efficient design, complete with solar panels, showcases modern sustainability practices.

The collection process has revealed some surprising finds over the years. Bitter recalls discovering a contraceptive pill packet with one pill still inside, as well as more valuable items like a 100 euro bill and a bank book. These discoveries have led to efforts to return valuable items to their owners, adding an element of detective work to the librarians' duties.

This unique project not only preserves memories but also highlights the diversity of the library's community. As part of the Vienna Public Libraries network, which dates back to 1887 and now includes over 40 branches, the Hauptbücherei serves a wide range of patrons. The annual membership fee of €24 for Vienna residents ensures accessibility to this wealth of knowledge and unexpected discoveries.

As visitors explore the exhibition, they're invited to imagine the stories behind each item. Who was the schoolgirl in the black-and-white photo? Did the recipe for strawberry tiramisu turn out well? These unanswered questions add an element of mystery and intrigue to the display.

The "Help, We're Trapped" exhibition not only showcases forgotten items but also celebrates the enduring role of libraries in our communities. In an era of digital media, the Hauptbücherei, with its blend of traditional and modern services, including e-books and RFID self-checkout, continues to be a vital hub for learning, discovery, and unexpected connections.