The library has served many generations.

Sigrún Guðnadóttir, Director Hafnarfjörður Library, has plenty to keep her busy these days as the library, which will celebrate its centenary next year, is very busy with visitors. Sigrún says that the library's anniversary is next autumn, but several large and special events will be spread throughout the year to mark the occasion.

Warmth, calm, learning and growth characterise the library.

Warmth, tranquillity, education and growth are currently the hallmarks of this main meeting place for many generations of Hafnarfjörður residents, and a varied programme will be on offer during Advent. The library's Christmas programme began at the turn of the month. Various events have already taken place, but on Wednesday evening, authors came and read from their books. Among them were Hallgrímur Helgason and Kamilla Einarsdóttir, who were both nominated for the Icelandic Book Awards on the same day. Arndís Þórarinsdóttir, a writer and literary scholar, has overseen the programme, and she was also nominated. „We had a full house and lots of people streaming as well. It was great fun.“ Sigrún says.

Lots to do at the library during Advent

The Polish Santa Claus, Święty Mikołaj, has already paid a visit on his way from the North Pole to Poland, and a workshop with traditional Polish Christmas decorations has been held, where everyone was most welcome. According to Sigrún, many Poles visit the museum, which has a diverse selection of Polish books, both new and older. In addition, there is a Polish-speaking member of staff at the museum. The Icelandic Yule Lad visited the library last weekend and said hello to the children. The choir Á léttu nótunum will come on 7 December at 16:30 and sing Christmas carols for visitors. On 14 December, there will be a virtual reality experience for everyone in the library, and on 16 December, the Christmas film Die Hard will be shown.

^{Peace and quiet at the library every day, despite the various magnificent events held there during Advent.}

Hafnarfjörður Library has the country's oldest children's department and the largest music department of any library. Modern services are on offer, as Sigrún says the library has changed with advancing technology. The library has an e-book library, meeting rooms, an internet café and a podcast studio. „We have developed in new directions in recent years, increasing events and international cooperation.“ she says.

„Recently, orders have been pouring in for the new Christmas books and waiting lists have formed for the most popular ones, like Arnald. Then there are the chick-lit books, for example by Jenny Colgan and books of that sort are always very popular. Then there's Guðrún frá Lundi, who is also in demand. Although we have good footfall all year round, it always increases before Christmas. There's a lot going on here in Hafnarfjörður over Christmas that attracts people to the town, and we notice it,“says Sigrún, who is very much looking forward to next year when there will be a lot going on.".

An advertisement appeared in the Fréttablaðið on 4 December 2021.