Reykjavík City Library — Modern Architecture & Books

Background

History & Background

Reykjavík City Library, officially known as Borgarbókasafn Reykjavíkur, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1923. For many years, it operated from various locations across the city, serving the community's literary needs and growing alongside the burgeoning Icelandic capital. A significant milestone in its history was the opening of its current purpose-built home in 2011. This modern facility, located at Tryggvagata 15, was designed by the acclaimed Danish architectural firm schmidt hammer lassen. The architects envisioned a light-filled, contemporary library that would not only house an extensive collection but also embody the spirit of Iceland's unique literary culture. Iceland boasts the highest literacy rate in the world and an unparalleled passion for books, publishing approximately 1,000 new titles annually for a population of just 380,000. This translates to the highest per-capita book publication rate globally, with a remarkable one in ten Icelanders expected to publish a book in their lifetime. The Reykjavík City Library stands as a proud testament to this deep-seated cultural value, offering a vital space for reading, learning, and community engagement in a nation where stories are truly revered.

Reykjavík City Library (Borgarbókasafn Reykjavíkur), located at Tryggvagata 15, is Iceland's largest public library and a must-visit for culture enthusiasts. Opened in its current striking modernist building in 2011, designed by Danish architects schmidt hammer lassen, the library stands out with its distinctive geometric blue-grey facade and a vibrant red section at its base, as seen from the street. The name "GRÓFARHÚS" is prominently displayed vertically on its side. Inside, visitors are greeted by a light-filled, 6-story space designed to maximize natural light and city views. The collection boasts an impressive 450,000 books, including extensive Icelandic literature and a large international section, particularly in English. Beyond books, you'll find newspapers, magazines, maps, digital archives of Icelandic historical documents and photographs, music, films, and audiobooks. Facilities include comfortable reading rooms, many offering panoramic city views, a dedicated children's library with storytelling programs, bookable study rooms, and free computer access with wifi throughout the building. A convenient café is located on the ground floor. The library is open to everyone, offering free entry to browse, read, and use the wifi. While a library card is needed for borrowing, tourists can freely immerse themselves in this hub of Icelandic literary culture. Its central location near the Old Harbour makes it an easy and rewarding stop in your Reykjavík itinerary.