Icelandic Language Day is celebrated today, November 16, on the birthday of Jónas Hallgrímsson.

Jónas Hallgrímsson is best known for his poetry, natural history work and coining new words. Jónas was born at Hraun in Öxnadalur on November 16, 1807. He was one of the most learned men of his time, completed a theology degree here at home and then studied law and natural sciences at the University of Copenhagen. Jónas was active in publishing the magazine Fjölnir, wrote numerous poems, stories and translated foreign works of fiction and academic works into the Icelandic language. During and after his studies, Jónas went on extensive research trips around Iceland and wrote detailed diaries and reports about Icelandic nature. 

The National Library of Iceland – University Library's information website about Jónas Hallgrímsson ( jonashallgrimsson.is ) was launched on his birthday, November 16, 2006. To mark this year's anniversary, we are publishing an updated website with a new look and interface that is better suited to smart devices.

The website seeks to honor the memory of Jónas, present his work, and make it accessible. Among other things, you can read Jónas' poems and stories, and study detailed bibliographies, research materials, and other manuscripts, while the National Library of Iceland – University Library preserves a large amount of material related to Jónas Hallgrímsson.