Capital Region
National Library of Iceland
About National Library of Iceland
The National Library of Iceland (Þjóðarbókhlöðan) at Arngrímsgata 3 in Reykjavík is Iceland's principal library and the custodian of the country's printed and manuscript heritage. Founded in 1818, it holds over one million items including books, journals, newspapers, maps, manuscripts, photographs, music scores, and digital media. The library is the country's legal deposit library — every publication printed in Iceland must be submitted here. Its special collections include medieval Icelandic manuscripts, rare 16th-century printed books, a comprehensive newspaper archive dating to 1848, and one of the most complete collections of Icelandic music.
📖 Story
Iceland has one of the world's highest per-capita reading rates, and the National Library stands at the heart of that culture. The original library was established in Reykjavík in 1818 to serve the newly formed governmental institutions of Iceland. The current building on Arngrímsgata, designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson, was completed in 1994 and is a striking example of modernist architecture using Icelandic basalt stone cladding. The library's manuscript collection includes treasures from the Arnamagnaean Collection — Icelandic vellum manuscripts returned from Denmark in the 1970s.
✈️ Why Visit
Home to irreplaceable medieval manuscripts including illuminated sagas — the written heart of Icelandic civilisation.
💡 Did You Know?
The library holds over one million items including handwritten manuscripts from the 13th century. Iceland has one of the highest per-capita rates of book publishing in the world.
Key Facts
Founded in 1818 — one of Iceland's oldest institutions
Holds over one million items in its collections
Legal deposit library for all Icelandic publications
Current building designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, opened 1994
Houses Iceland's comprehensive newspaper archive from 1848
Reading room open to the public — no membership required
🕐 Best Time
Any time of year — fully indoors
🚗 Access
Arngrímsgata 3, Reykjavík. Near the National Museum.
⏱ Duration
30 minutes–1 hour (for a visit to the public reading room)
📍 GPS Location
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