About the National and University Library of Iceland, its history, policies, administration and more.

Overview of the many collections of the library and its branches

The library

The National and University Library of Iceland is the national library of Iceland collecting all printed works published in Iceland, by Icelanders and about Iceland. It is the legal deposit library of Iceland. It is also the library of the University of Iceland with the country's largest collection of scientific works in many languages. Many of these may be borrowed by library card holders. Students at the University of Iceland get library cards for free.

The library also has an extensive manuscript collection with over 15,000 volumes, mostly from the early modern and modern period, and a large collection of rare printed works. Access to these, and to all printed materials published before 1900, is provided by request in a special reading room on the ground floor.

The library also subscribes to many general interest and scientific periodicals and has a large collection of film and music which is available for on-site use on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Printed reference works are available for consultation on the first floor. Over 500 seats are available for guests in the whole building. Please note, however, that the majority of these are reserved for university students during exams in November-December and May-June.

Read our English brochure (pdf)