A diverse and modern library

The Hafnarfjörður Library is 98 years old and is one of the oldest in the country. The people of Hafnarfjörður have strong ties to the library, and there is a great deal of footfall, loans and various other activities. A resident of Hafnarfjörður I met Sigrún Guðnadóttir recently, who took up the post of director in November. She says there are many things in the pipeline, such as more events and a podcasting facility for the public. 

„I just felt like I slotted right in and was home when I started. I was made to feel very welcome, by both the staff and the guests.“ Sigrún says with a beaming smile when asked. She previously worked at the City Library and the Kópavogur Library. „It's a privilege to work in something enjoyable, and you can always try something new; keeping up with what's happening in the world of libraries at any given time.“ The Hafnarfjörður Library offers a great deal, and there are various things in the pipeline that Sigrún, along with her staff, would like to emphasise. „The library is very important to the identity of the people of Hafnarfjörður. They are very connected to their library. We get a lot of visitors and we have a high number of loans. However, I would like to reach even more people. There are a large number of people of foreign origin in the town, mainly Poles, and I want to reach out to them. A Polish librarian is returning to work here in February who will, among other things, be holding story times in Polish.“

Hafnarfjörður Library has the unique feature, unlike most such libraries, of having a music department – and a rather large one at that. „I want to do something more with her. For example, we're going to have a jazz concert there at the end of Museum Night, which will be on 7 February.“ The collection then has a very wide range of material, from books, magazines and newspapers to a selection of CDs, DVDs and audiobooks. „There are 15 permanent positions and a total of 24 staff members. The staff are good, and a great deal of ambition has been invested in diversity in everything here. Next month, an events manager, Unnur Helga Möller, will be added to the team. Then we're going to open a podcasting facility on the third floor where people can book a time slot and create their own programmes. The idea came from staff here at the museum, and I, of course, welcomed it, as did all the staff involved in the decision and its implementation.“

Sigrún would like to draw special attention to the fact that reading facilities are not just on the ground floor, but on all floors. Even with more privacy. „We also plan to renovate and improve the hall in the basement and hire it out more for meetings, gatherings and lectures. Local organisations have shown interest, and it will have its own facilities, including a coffee area and toilets. I also want to add a facility where people can come and sew in the near future. I want people to feel that there is much to enjoy here and that everyone can find something to their liking. I foresee bright and enjoyable times at the library, and that in collaboration with as many people as possible,“ Sigrún says in conclusion.

An interview with Sigrún was published in Hafnfirðinginn on 23 January 2020.