National and University Library of Iceland, National and university library in Reykjavík, Iceland
The National and University Library of Iceland is a large facility in Reykjavík that serves both students and the general public with reading and study spaces. It holds academic collections, books, journals, and digital materials across many subjects, making research accessible to different types of visitors.
The library came into being in 1994 when two separate institutions merged: the original national library founded in 1818 and the university library established in 1940. This joining brought together centuries of academic work and national documentation under one roof.
The library holds Icelandic books, old manuscripts, and recordings that show the country's literary and cultural heritage. Visitors who browse these collections gain insight into what matters to Icelandic society across different time periods.
Visitors can enter the building and use reading areas; students get free library cards while other people can obtain access for a fee. It is helpful to check beforehand if you want to see special collections, as some may require advance permission or registration.
The building's name Þjóðarbókhlaðan is Icelandic and means "national book storage," showing how the library is viewed as a keeper of the country's knowledge. The structure itself involved a lengthy construction period before it welcomed its first visitors.
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