reykjavik
Reykjavík City Library — Modern Architecture & Books
About Reykjavík City Library — Modern Architecture & Books
Reykjavík City Library (Borgarbókasafn Reykjavíkur) opened in current building 2011 at Tryggvagata 15. Designed by Danish architects schmidt hammer lassen. The library is Iceland's largest public library. **Collection:** - 450,000 books: Icelandic literature, international (large English section) - Newspapers, magazines, maps - Digital archives: Icelandic historical documents, photographs - Music, films, audiobooks **Facilities:** - Reading rooms with panoramic city views - Children's library with storytelling programs - Study rooms (bookable) - Computer access with internet - Free wifi throughout - Café (ground floor) **Architecture:** 6-story modernist building, geometric white facade, glass walls, soaring atrium with natural light. Designed to maximize daylight and city views. **Hours:** Mon–Thu 10:00–19:00, Fri 11:00–18:00, Sat–Sun 13:00–17:00. Free entry. **Access:** Anyone can visit and use facilities. Library card (free for Icelandic residents) required to borrow books. Tourists can browse, read, use wifi without card. Located at Tryggvagata 15, central Reykjavík near Old Harbour.
🐉 Where the Most Literate Nation Reads
Iceland publishes more books per person than anywhere on Earth. This library is where they read them — a modern temple to the written word.
📖 History of Reykjavík City Library — Modern Architecture & Books
Reykjavík City Library founded 1923. Operated in various locations before purpose-built building opened 2011. Designed by schmidt hammer lassen architects (Denmark) to create light-filled modern library befitting Iceland's literary culture. Iceland publishes ~1,000 new titles per year for population of 380,000 — highest per-capita in world.
💡 Did You Know?
Iceland publishes more books per capita than any country on Earth — one in ten Icelanders will publish a book. The 'Christmas Book Flood' (jólabókaflóð) sees most books released in fall for holiday giving.
Key Facts
Opened 2011 in modernist building
450,000 books — Iceland's largest public library
Free entry, free wifi, open to visitors
Large English-language section
Café with city views
💎 Hidden Gems
The Top Floor Reading Room
The 6th floor reading room has floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic city views — reading here on a rainy day with the city spreading below is perfect contentment.
The Icelandic Saga Section
The library's Icelandic literature section includes sagas in English translation — if you've been curious about Egils Saga or Njáls Saga, this is where to read them.
🕐 Best Time
Afternoons for reading with views
🚗 Access
Tryggvagata 15, near Old Harbour
⏱ Duration
30 min–2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tourists visit?▾
Yes — free entry, anyone can browse, read, use wifi. Library card (for borrowing) only available to Icelandic residents.
Is there English content?▾
Yes — large English-language book section, international newspapers, magazines. Plus Icelandic sagas in English translation.
📍 GPS Location
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