Profit for Grätzel

Insider tip: there’s more than just books here

A nurse is revitalizing an orphaned neighbourhood in Döbling with her reading café. She talks to the "Krone" about her goals and gives some book tips for the summer. 

The summer vacation is already within reach. Some people may still need the right reading material for the beach. But this doesn't necessarily have to be ordered from consumer giants like Amazon. Especially during Corona, there has been a rethink among the population in this regard. Edith Müller-Kowalski has seized this opportunity and opened an online bookshop alongside her job as a nurse.

Opening her own bookshop
When this turned out to be a success, she fulfilled her dream and opened her own small bookshop at Heiligenstädter Straße 152. The shopping street is somewhat desolate and run-down, the bookshop is the only colorful spot. Since this year, she has also had a pavement garden in front of the door, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee as well as browsing. This offer is also well received by local residents.

And how is it going?" People understand more and more that they need to support regional trade," says the 27-year-old. And anyone who buys reading material from her doesn't have to dig deeper into their pockets. "Due to fixed book prices, new publications cost the same everywhere," explains Müller-Kowalski. She also takes time for every customer. "As a nurse, I have a high level of social skills, which I benefit from here," says the young Viennese.

Her goal is to soon be able to make a living from the book trade. She has a large collection of books, but her passion is for children's books. She reads them to her own children every evening. She herself picks up a book whenever she can find the time in her busy everyday life.