Reykjavík City Library | Programme September-December 2021

REYKJAVÍK CITY LIBRARY DIALOGUE - CONNECTIONS - EXPERIENCE

PROGRAMME September - December 2021 ENGLISH / ÍSLENSKA

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A New Library in Úlfarsárdalur: Interview with Staff Future of Plastic: Interview with Plastplan Events for Adults Chief, the Bookmobile: Interview with Driver Bragi Gerðuberg Calling: Interview with Lukas Bury Come Visit with your Class Events for Children & Families

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NEW City Library Branch in Úlfarsárdalur The new library, scheduled to open in Úlfarsárdalur in fall 2021, is highly anticipated. Situated in a unique location with unspoiled nature right on its doorstep, the library also neighbors a kindergarten, elementary school, community center, swimming pool and a gym.

We’ll be opening early and closing late!

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VA ARKITEKTAR

In his position as Library Manager at Úlfarsárdalur, Unnar Geir will focus on wellbeing and building relationships with the immediate community.

“We’re excited to open the library, where users will be able to access information and entertainment, meet up with friends, or just relax and hang out. We’re going to work closely with residents of Úlfarsárdalur and Grafarholt to collaborate towards a sustainable society.”

Stella Sif will be in charge of education and events. She envisions a diverse schedule of activities.

“The library in Úlfarsárdalur is going to be a lively and comfortable place for all neighborhood residents. Our schedule will be developed in conversation with our users and our sights are set on an exciting and diverse calendar of events that meets the needs of different groups.”

Haraldur Ernir (Halli) is the library’s studio technician and will assist users with their recordings.

“We’ve got everything you could possibly require for professional-level recordings.

All you need to record music in our studio is a library card and creativity!”

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DID YOU KNOW THAT IT’S EASY TO USE OUR WEBSITE TO

RESERVE BOOKS SEARCH FOR MATERIAL PAY FINES AND MUCH MORE! borgarbokasafn.is

Welcome to the new Literature Web

Do you have books on the brain?

Then Literature Web is for you!

You’ll find: - Detailed articles about authors in Iceland - Reviews of new books - An overview of Icelandic literary prizes ...and so much more!

bokmenntaborgin.is/en

The Future of Plastic

Creative Collaboration with Plastplan

The Reykjavík City Library Is Taking (Green) Steps Toward Sustainability The Reykjavik City Library is part of the city’s Green Steps (Græn skref) program, which seeks to increase the sustainability and minimize the environmental impact of city institutes. The library has started working with Plastplan, an innovative local organization that specializes in plastics recycling, education and design. The collaboration centers around a unique plastic cycle: every week, plastic is picked up from our libraries and is later returned in the form of new items that can be used in our daily operations. This cycle reflects Plastplan’s ethos that plastic is a valuable material, but that society needs to modify its unhealthy relationship to it. We recently sat down with Plastplan’s founders Björn Steinar Blumenstein and Brynjólfur Stefánsson to talk more about the project.

What is Plastplan?

Plastplan grew out of our interest in environmental issues and natural resources. After studying product design, Björn Steinar moved to The Netherlands to specialize in plastic recycling and our recycling center became a reality after he moved back home. The state of recycling in Iceland is shamefully bad, so we’re doing our best to improve it.

Isn’t used plastic just garbage?

Not all plastic is the same—there are seven types of plastic and they’re all as different from one another as different kinds of metal are. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Plastplan is against single-use plastic such as the kind used for packaging. When it comes to high-quality, usable items and other durable products, plastic can often be a good, environmentally friendly choice. We think it’s great that we can transform single-use plastic into valuable and useful objects that simultaneously convey our ideas about the possibilities of recycling raw materials and solutions for the future.

What can we do better?

There are countless ways that individuals can reduce their carbon footprint—everything from reducing meat consumption to just consuming less in general. Over the years, we’ve put most of our emphasis on educating people about where things come from so that they can make informed decisions in their daily lives.

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EVENTS FOR ADULTS SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER 2021

September 2021

Júlía Margrét

Arndís Lóa

Brynja

Dagur

Sparkling Poetry Café Artwork by Þorgerður Jörundsdóttir

In the Air, On Land, and At Sea Exhibition | 02.09.21 – 09. 10.21

Spöngin

Þorgerður Jörundsdóttir’s ink, marker and pencil works celebrate biological diversity and human connection with nature.

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Thu. 02.09.21 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Kringlan

Júlía Margrét Einarsdóttir brings together three exciting young poets – Arndís Lóa Magnúsdóttir, Brynja Hjálmsdóttir and Dagur Hjartarson, who will read from their work and then discuss it with one another. There will be bubbly beverages for the guests.

September 2021

Brek

Bragi Ólafsson

A Rendezvous with Bragi Ólafsson Literary Symposium Sat. 04.09.21 2 pm - 4:30 pm

Gerðuberg

This roundtable will give readers and listeners unique insight into author Bragi Ólafsson’s life and career and get to know the man behind the work - his views and influences.

Days Gone By Storytelling Café with Acoustic Band Brek Wed. 08.09.21 8 pm - 9:30 pm Gerðuberg Musicians Harpa, Jóhann Ingi, Guðmundur Atli and Sigmar Þór have created their own, unique sonic world by breaking down the walls between musical genres and forging connections between Iceland’s folk heritage and other kinds of folk and pop music.

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Further information and registration at borgarbokasafn.is

September 2021

Leifur Gunnarsson

Miles on 10 Strings Lunchtime Jazz Thu. 09.09.21 12:15 pm - 1 pm Grófin Gerðuberg Fri. 10.09.21 12:15 pm - 1 pm Spöngin Sat. 11.09.21 1:15 pm - 2 pm First-class musicians from the Icelandic jazz scene perform a repertoire dedicated to legend Miles Davis. The Lunchtime Jazz series is under the artistic direction of Leifur Gunnarsson.

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Whittling with Wood Handicraft Café Mon. 20.09.21 5 pm - 6 pm Árbær Have you always wanted to learn to whittle? Bjarni Þór Kristjánsson will teach us whittling techniques, show us what tools are needed and how to use them.

September 2021

Language and Artificial Intelligence Science Café Thu. 23.09.21 5:15 pm - 6 pm Grófin Vésteinn Snæbjarnarson and Halla Þórlaug Óskarsdóttir chat about the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in preserving the Icelandic language. Vésteinn holds bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and mathematics and has recently focused his attention on software development, particularly in relation to language instruction.

Plant Swap | Flowers and Cuttings Sun. 26.09.21 1 pm - 2 pm Árbær Do you have green fingers? This is a unique opportunity to swap plants and cuttings and add some variety to your garden or windowsill.

The Spanish Flu and the Present Academic Café Mon. 27.09.21 5:15 pm - 6 pm Spöngin Historian Gunnar Þór Bjarnason will discuss his book about the Spanish Flu, which came out before last Christmas and explore the similarities between the Spanish Flu and Covid-19.

17 Further information and registration at borgarbokasafn.is

October 2021

Do You Want to Learn Photoshop?

Beginner’s Workshop Sat. 02.10.21 1 pm - 3 pm Grófin Do you want to learn how to edit photos?

Retouch details or even splice together pictures of yourself with someone whom you’ll probably never meet? If you answered yes, then join us for this crash course, which will teach you the fundamentals of Photoshop.

Musical Requests Lunchtime Jazz Thu. 07.10.21 12:15 pm - 1 pm Grófin Gerðuberg Fri. 08.10.21 12:15 pm - 1 pm Spöngin Sat. 09.10.21 1:15 pm - 2 pm Leifur Gunnarsson and friends will take audience’s requests. The Lunchtime Jazz series has made a name for itself in the past few years and was nominated for an Icelandic Music Award in early 2021.

Kayaking Around the Country Travelling Café Thu. 07.10.21 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Kringlan Veiga Grétarsdóttir is the first person to kayak counter clockwise around Iceland.

She came out as trans several years ago and connects these two journeys in one, moving narrative.

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Veiga Grétarsdóttir

October 2021

Intervac - Home Exchange Community Café Sat. 09.10.21 3 pm – 4 pm Sólheimar G. Pétur Matthíasson, Intervac ambassador in Iceland, has considerable experience with house swapping abroad. He’ll tell us more about what Intervac does and answer your questions.

Let’s Sing Together!

Sing-Along with Anna Sigríður & Aðalheiður Mon. 11.10.21 5 pm – 5:45 pm Árbær Come give your vocal cords a workout in this sing-along. Everyone can participate - there will be lyrics available and together we’ll make beautiful music.

Artwork by María Loftsdóttir

Happiness is a Poem Poetry Café Wed. 13.10.21 8 pm – 9:30 pm Gerðuberg Poets Linda Vilhjálmsdóttir and Didda (Sigurlaug Jónsdóttir) will discuss life and poetry and read a selection of their exciting, original work. A Q&A and an open mic will follow the reading for any burgeoning poets in the audience.

Grafarvogur – Eight Viewpoints Exhibition | 14.10.21 – 11.11.21 Spöngin María Loftsdóttir’s oil paintings and watercolors highlight the unique characteristics of the eight neighborhoods that comprise the Grafarvogur district.

María is a folk artist and has traveled around the world, carrying some paper and colors with her. This time she looks closer and seeks inspiration in her own community.

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Further information and registration at borgarbokasafn.is

October 2021

Healthcare & Artificial Intelligence Science Café Thu. 14.10.21 5:15 pm - 6 pm Grófin Computer science professor Hafsteinn Einarsson and Halla Þórlaug Óskarsdóttir will chat about the possibilities and limitations of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the healthcare sector and ideas for how it might be used in the future.

The Art Wall Collection of the Reykjavík Art Museum Fri. 15.10.21 4 pm - 6 pm Úlfarsárdalur One wall in the entrance to the library will be dedicated to an exhibition of works from the permanent collection of the Reykjavík Art Museum. The first exhibition will coincide with the opening of this brand-new library for residents of Úlfarsárdalur!

Do You Want to Learn Photoshop?

Intermediate Workshop Sat. 16.10.21 1 pm - 3 pm Grófin This workshop is intended for people who know the basics of Photoshop but want to go deeper with photo editing and learn more about tools that can speed this process up.

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Photo: National Museum of Iceland

About Women, Trousers and Defiance Academic Café Mon. 18.10.21 5:15 pm - 6 pm Spöngin Historian Hafdís Erla Hafsteinsdóttir shares the little-researched history of trousers in Iceland and explains how wearing trousers in the wrong place at the wrong time could have complicated consequences.

October 2021

Silence and Sound Philosophy Café Mon. 18.10.21 5 pm - 6 pm

Árbær University of Iceland philosophy professor Sigríður Þorgeirsdóttir discusses philosophical thinking: how to speak to one another philosophically and engage in active listening.

Book Lust Literary Café Wed. 27.10.21 8 pm - 9:30 pm

Gerðuberg

Authors Ragnar Helgi Ólafsson and Arndís Þórarinsdóttir chat about book lust - a passion for books. After the passing of his father, Ragnar faced the daunting challenge of weeding through his library, as described in his book My Father’s Library. In her most recent book Arndís explores the preservation of Möðruvallabók, the 14th century manuscript that includes a number of Iceland’s most important sagas.

Together, Ragnar Helgi and Arndís consider: When is it okay to throw out a book and when does it become invaluable?

21 Further information and registration at borgarbokasafn.is

November 2021

Let’s Sing Together!

Sing-Along with Anna Sigríður & Aðalheiður Mon. 08.11.21 5 pm – 5:45 pm Árbær Come give your vocal cords a workout in this sing-along. Everyone can partici pate - there will be lyrics available and together, we’ll make beautiful music.

Stefán Pálsson

Around the World in 120 Beers Umbra

My Lovely Lily | Umbra Ensemble Storytelling Café Wed. 10.11.21 8 pm - 9:30 pm Gerðuberg Musicians Alexandra, Arngerður María, Guðbjörg Hlín and Lilja Dögg treat us to an exciting blend of poetry and music and share the stories behind each poem and song. Together, the members of Umbra Ensemble have created their own, unique sonic world, characterized by a blend of ancient and contemporary influences.

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Literary Café Wed. 10.11.21 8 pm - 9:30 pm

Úlfarsárdalur After tea and water, beer is the third most popular beverage in the world and almost every country has its own unique beer history. Stefán Pálsson has spent years teaching Icelanders about the unique pleasures and history of beer. Join us for this discussion about Bjór - umhverfis jörðina á 120 tegundum (Around the World in 120 Beers), which was co-authored by Stefán and Höskuldur Sæmundsson and illustrated by Rán Flygenring.

November 2021

Hot Off the Presses Literary Café Mon. 15.11.21 5 pm - 6 pm

Árbær

It’s always great to learn about brandnew books, hot off the presses! We’ll invite authors to come read from their new titles and chat with guests.

Rebekka Blöndal

Celebrating Billie Holiday Lunchtime Jazz Thu. 11.11.21 12:15pm - 1 pm Grófin Gerðuberg Fri. 12.11.21 12:15pm - 1 pm Sat. 13.11.21 1:15pm - 2 pm Spöngin Young jazz songstress Rebekka Blöndal has inspired audiences with her interpretations of songs by female jazz greats. Now she’ll treat us to her interpretations of beloved Billie Holiday classics. The Lunchtime Jazz series is under the artistic direction of Leifur Gunnarsson.

Music and Memories | Jelena Ćirić

Storytelling Café Wed. 17.11.21 8 pm – 9:30 pm Gerðuberg Journalist and singer-songwriter Jelena Ćirić has lived all over the world, including Serbia, Spain, Mexico, and now Iceland, which she’s called home for the last five years. Jelena will tell stories from her life and travels and perform music from different cultural traditions to bring these tales to life. She will be accompanied by Margrét Arnardóttir on the harmonica 23

Further information and registration at borgarbokasafn.is

November 2021

Páll Baldvin Baldvinsson

Music, Dance and Fashion in Wartime Does AI Have Morals?

Science Café Thu. 18.11.21 5:15 pm - 6 pm

Grófin University of Iceland Professor María Óskarsdóttir and Halla Þórlaug Óskarsdóttir will chat about the morality of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and bias in the field of computer science. It may sound complicated, but as ever in the Science Café, we’ll discuss everything in layman’s terms so that anyone can understand. Everyone’s welcome - you don’t need any previous scientific knowledge, just interest!

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Academic Café Mon. 22.11.21 5:15 pm - 6 pm

Spöngin

The war years in Iceland have long been discussed in almost-mythical terms, but what was life really like back then? What did people do for fun before the military occupation? Was there a difference in the entertainments on offer for the British, Canadian and Norwegian forces before the arrival of the American army? What changed when the Yanks arrived? Author Páll Baldvin Baldvinsson will talk about Reykjavík’s flourishing cultural scene and nightlife during the Second World War.

November 2021

Winter Mountaineering for Beginners

Inherited Traumas Literary Café Wed. 24.11.21 8 pm - 9:30 pm Gerðuberg There’s been an increasingly open dialog in recent years about mental illness and psychic trauma, as well as the trickle-down effects these have from generation to generation. Authors Anna Hafþórsdóttir and Elísabet Jökulsdóttir will take the theme of inherited trauma as a jumping off point to discuss their books, Að telja upp í milljón and Aprílsólarkuldi.

Travelling Café Wed. 24.11.21 8 pm – 10 pm Úlfarsárdalur When getting started in the sport of winter mountaineering, it’s important to know what essentials you should have in your backpack. Tomasz Þór - or Tommi, as he’s known in the mountaineering world - is the founder of the outdoor adventure company Af Stað. During this chat, Tommi will go over the basics that you should keep in mind.

Midwinter Reading Christmas Literary Café Thu. 25.11.21 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Kringlan Are you having trouble getting into the holiday spirit? Why not find an exciting new book to help you on your way? At this book chat, four authors will read excerpts from their new work, giving you a chance to hear some of the best books coming out this Christmas.

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Further information and registration at borgarbokasafn.is

December 2021

Eco Gift Wrapping Advent Workshop Sólheimar Sat. 04.12.21 1 pm - 2 pm Save on buying Christmas paper this year by making your own personalized and environmentally friendly wrapping paper or gift bags.

Helgan: The Icelandic Potato Academic Café Wed. 08.12.21 8 pm - 10 pm Úlfarsárdalur This year marks the 280th anniversary since the first potato was planted in Icelandic soil. The CGFC theater group did an enormous amount of research for its stage show about the potato, which spotlighted pioneering farmer Helga Gísladóttir. She is finally receiving much-deserved recognition for having cultivated a new and exceptional variety of potato, Helgan, which is one of only three varieties grown in Iceland.

Let’s Sing Together!

Sing-Along with Anna Sigríður & Aðalheiður Mon. 13.12.21 5 pm - 5:45 pm Árbær Come give your vocal cords a workout in this Christmas-themed sing-along.

Everyone can participate—there will be lyrics available and together, we’ll make beautiful music.

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Season’s Readings Even though live book readings will hopefully be a part of this years Advent, we are going to, like last year, invite authors to come and read from their newly published books. It will be an Advent calendar of video-readings.

Stay tuned at borgarbokasafn.is

Young People Adapting to Society.

Come and join us!

lesgleraugun The Lesgleraugun podcast sets its sights on literature and the art of storytelling. Each episode features recordings taken at events hosted by the Reykjavík City Library, abridged and excerpted for listeners on the go.

So put on your reading glasses and join us as we look at literature from a variety of perspectives.

So far this podcast is only available in Icelandic.

The Reykjavik City Library’s bookmobile, known as Höfðingi, or The Chief, has served book-hungry locals from Skerjafjörður to Kjalarnes since 1968. It visits 30 locations in and around the capital every week.

Bragi Björnsson has been the bookmobile driver for over 40 years “The Bookmobile users are a great mix of children, teachers, families and older residents. It’s wonderful to be able to get books to users, particularly in neighborhoods where there isn’t a library. For instance, we stop at several kindergartens and elementary schools so that teachers and students can choose their books for the week.”

Appreciative users “People are usually happy when they leave the bookmobile. This is a service for those who have the hardest time getting to the library—the elderly and children.

Thrillers are always really popular, but we also lend out a lot of biographies and nonfiction and kids are always pattering in to pick out their bedtime stories.”

Regulars meet up to chat “You’ll often hear lively conversations going on amongst the stacks. People often discuss books, but also global issues and current affairs. We have a lot of faithful and fun regulars.”

MIÐBÆR, VESTUBÆR, SKERJAFJÖRÐUR & VATNSMÝRI

KJALARNES

LAUGARÁS, LAUGARNES & TÚN

GRAFARHOLT & ÚLFARSÁRDALUR

HLÍÐAR & HÁALEITI

NORÐLINGAHOLT BÚSTAÐAHVERFI

BREIÐHOLT

Jump Aboard Grab a Book

A LIBRARY ON WHEELS

Return the ones you’re done reading

Bookmobile Schedule: borgarbokasafn.is/chief

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ofan

A Public Living Room

Once a month a user opens up a temporary public living room at the library.

How long do we have to stay to change within a space so it becomes ours?

GERÐUBERG CALLING Lukas Bury is the first visiting artist of Gerðuberg Calling - the library’s creative collaboration on the themes of belonging and safe spaces. Lukas will spend the month of October with us working on his project titled They have no pictures on the walls. It is an artistic research project that aims at an in-depth research of the Polish immigrant community in Iceland. The research is guided by ideas of home.

“From my perspective a home should be the safe space per se. But can it become a non-place (like airports or hotel rooms very often are)? Will an apartment or a house become our home, if we define our stay since the beginning as temporary?”

The projects aims at creating a mutual plane for discussion and interaction between Icelandic and immigrant populations through a non-fiction publication, which will be launched at the library.

Lukas Bury, Svanhildur Halla Haraldsdóttir, Ilmur Dögg Gísladóttir and Martyna Karolina Daniel

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A

A

Let´s Chat & Play

Games in Icelandic Don't be afraid to join even if you just started learning Icelandic!

Further information: borgarbokasafn.is

A

DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN BORROW

BOARDGAMES FROM THE LIBRARY?

borgarbokasafn.is

VISIT WITH YOUR CLASS The Reykjavik City Library offers a variety of education and entertainment for pre-schools and primary schools groups.

Little Libraries

Exhibition Visits

Little Libraries are mobile Libraries that we lend to preschools in Reykjavik.

Children can check out books and enjoy a cosy time reading at home with their families.

Students are welcome to visit a variety of exhibitions at our different library locations.

Take a look at our calendar of events and book a guided tour for your class.

ALL GRADES

PRESCHOOLS

A Whole World of Comics

Story Time with Sleipnir Odin´s eight-footed horse Sleipnir knows all about poetry, fairy tales, and how to let the imagination run wild. The avid reader greets children at the library and takes part in a story time with them.

PRESCHOOLS / OLDEST CLASS

Zeta is a book creature that lives at the library. She welcomes children to story time, listens to stories with them and teaches them all about the library and how to take good care of books.

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GRADES 8-10 / BUS TRIPS

OKið & THE GERÐUBERG WORKSHOPS

Story Time with Zeta

PRECHOOLS / GRADES 1-2

Students are invited for a guided tour of the comic book department. On the shelves they´ll find Manga, Marvel and Maus, alongside Wonderwoman, Hellboy and Lumberjanes.

OKið is designed for youth. The space is perfect for all kinds of activities, including workshops, lectures, group projects and creative work. It's possible to print in 3D, create badges, use a vinyl cutter, code and more. Teachers can reserve the space, both for teaching and play.

ALL GRADES

BOOKING: borgarbokasafn.is/fraedsla

PARTICIPADTe E and se We´ll accept stories until

The Directorate of Education will publish an e-book with the best stories, two of which will receive awards at the Sögur - Kid’s Choice Awards.

Length: 250 – 400 words.

Six short films written by kids will be filmed and broadcast on RÚV. Length: 4 – 5 pages.

r gu

We’ll choose three plays, which will be performed at the Reykjavík City Theater, the Akureyri Theater Company and RÚV’s Radio Drama Iceland.

Length: 2 – 15 pages.

k

at Sögur - Kid’s Choice Awards.

Length: No longer than three minutes.

s! /sö ie v.is or aru

cemb nd er 3 us 1 st y at ww ou w. r s We’ll choose three songs and the songwriters kr t will get to work with professional musicians to ak put them to music. The songs will be performed

MUSIC & VISUAL MEDIA Podcast Studio Ableton Live Logic Pro X Final Cut Pro Adobe MIDI Keyboards Green Screen

Tech & Creativity 3D Printing Vinyl Cutter Badge Maker Sewing Machines

SEWING Sewing Machines Overlock Machine

BOOKING HACKING DAYS WORKSHOPS FURTHER INFORMATION: BORGARBOKASAFN.IS/MAKERSPACE

Alice Demurtas (Momo) & Lauren Charnow (Silly Suzy)

EVENTS FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER 2021

September 2021

Creative Expression | Ages 13 - 16 Tue. 07.09.21 3:30 pm - 5 pm

Gerðuberg

This new club will kick off at OKið, where we’ll explore and practice expressing ourselves together. Everyone is welcome and all forms of expression, too. Together, we’ll learn how to ignite our creative gifts. Vignir Árnason leads the club.

Read to Dogs Sat. 11.09.21 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Auður Viðarsdóttir

Electronic Music | Ages 10-13 Sat. 04.09.21 12 pm - 2 pm

Spöngin

Did you know you don’t need to be able to play an instrument to compose music? You can do it on an iPad or other tablets! Musician and producer Auður Viðarsdóttir (rauður) will share her tricks for making electronic music using the program Soundtrap. This popular program is easy to use and great for creating catchy songs! You don’t need any experience or formal music training to take part.

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Sólheimar

Do you find reading difficult? Do you love dogs? Then maybe this is something for you: Reading sessions at the library where kids can read to a calm, well-trained dog, who is a good listener and won‘t judge.

Each session is 20 minutes and you pick the book for the dog.

Crocheting for Kids | Ages 9 - 12 Sat. 11.09.21 1:30 pm - 3 pm

Kringlan

Do you want to learn to crochet? Come to the library and learn the fundamentals of this art with Elín Kristín Guðrúnardóttir. You don’t need to bring anything - we’ll have all the yarn and crochet needles you’ll need!

September 2021

Micro:bit Workshop | Ages 9 - 13 Sun. 12.09.21 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Árbær

Do you want to learn how to code?

Micro:bit gives users all kinds of different, fun, and easy ways to learn foundational coding and programming concepts.

Workshop leaders are from Reykjavík University’s Skema, an organization that teaches coding to young people.

Minecraft Workshop | Ages 8 - 12 Sat. 18.09.21 12 pm - 2 pm

Spöngin

Are you already a Minecraft pro, or are you just getting started? Coders from Reykjavík University’s Skema, an organization that teaches coding to young people, will be here to share all their best tips for worldbuilding in Minecraft and take us on an exciting, creative journey on the computer.

Toddler Time | RIE

Playwriting | Ages 9 - 12

Thu. 16.09.21 11 am - 12 pm

Grófin

Let’s meet with our toddlers and chat with lifecoach Guðrún Birna le Sage about RIE Parenting, its origins and the foundational concepts of this popular parenting approach, as well as the attitudinal changes it evokes.

Sat. 18.09.21 | 02.10.21 12 pm - 2 pm

Sólheimar

Do you want to work in a theater when you grow up? Do you have an idea for a play? Playwright Hildur Selma Sigbertsdóttir instructs children in playwrighting.

The final products will be submitted to the Sögur competition.

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Further information and registration at borgarbokasafn.is

September 2021

Music Composition | Ages 9 - 12 Sun. 19.09 | 26.09 | 03.10.21 1 pm - 4 pm Grófin

Do you dream of becoming a composer?

Would you like to try composing a song?

Jóhannes Ágúst Sigurjónsson leads the workshop and will help participants to write their own songs.

Writing and Illustration Ages 9 - 12 Sat. 25.09 & 09.10.21 1 pm - 3 pm

Spöngin

Do you like writing stories and drawing?

Author Eva Rún Þorgeirsdóttir and illustrator Blær Guðmundsdóttir will lead this workshop in which kids will get to try their hands at writing and illustrating their own short stories.

Origami | Figures and Forms Sun. 19.09.21 1 pm - 3 pm

Árbær

Artist Arnþrúður Ösp Karlsdóttir introduces children to the Japanese art of origami and teaches them to make beautiful forms and figures out of paper, just by folding it different ways.

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Let’s Play Chess! | Ages 6 -12 Sat. 25.09.21 1 pm – 2:30 pm

Sólheimar

A chess instructor from the Reykjavík Chess Club will be here to teach tomorrow’s chess masters. This workshop is suitable both for beginners and for those with more experience.

September 2021

Who’s Eating My Book?

Sun. 26.09.21 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Cocoa Lingua | Language Tree Grófin

Who’s eating my book? Is it a snake, a frog, a monster, or some other bizarre being? Together, we’ll make bookmarks: strange, square-shaped creatures that will eat the corner of your book and help you find where you left off reading.

Sun. 26.09.21 1:30 pm - 3 pm

Kringlan

Let’s join librarian Glódís Auðunsdóttir to learn and play with languages. We’ll use simple and fun exercises to teach each other new words and sentences in many different languages in an encouraging and comfortable environment.

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Further information and registration at borgarbokasafn.is

October 2021

Your Very Own Library Mystery

Paper Planes for Everyone

Scavenger Hunt | 02.10.21 - 30.04.22

Sat. 16.10.21 12 pm - 2 pm

Gerðuberg

Calling all riddle masters and mystery fans! Gerðubergur needs you! Wild fairytale characters, creatures from other dimensions and ominous ghosts have taken over the library. Take part in a scavenger hunt where you decide what to do every step of the way! Writer Ævar Þór has put together three scavenger hunts for different age groups.

Spöngin

Making paper planes is easy and fun for the whole family. The only thing you need is to enjoy making things, good instructions and the simplest material in the world: a sheet of paper.

Want to learn to whittle?

Ages 6 - 12 Sat. 02.10.21 1 pm - 2 pm & 2 pm - 3 pm

Spöngin

Do you want to learn how to whittle? It’s easy when you’ve got Bjarni Þór Kristjánsson to teach you. Children under 9 should be accompanied by an adult.

Alice Demurtas og Lauren Charnow

Read to Dogs

Sat. 09.10.21 11:30 pm – 12:30 pm

Sólheimar

Do you find reading difficult? Do you love dogs? Then maybe this is something for you: Reading sessions at the library where kids can read to a calm, welltrained dog, that is a good listener and won‘t judge. Each session is 20 minutes and you pick the book for the dog.

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Clownish Storytime Sun. 17.10.21 1 pm – 1:45 pm

Árbær

Clown Silly Suzy is still learning Icelandic, but she uses every chance she gets to practice. Suzy and her friends will visit and together, they’ll amuse kids with their clowning, reading aloud and balloon fun.

1410–1610 2021

www.myrin.is

Norræna húsið

International Children’s and Youth Literature Festival in Reykjavik

October 2021

FALL BREAK Minecraft Workshop

Cocoa Lingua | Language Boardgame

Fri. 22.10.21 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Sun. 24.10.21 1:30 pm - 3 pm

Árbær

Coders from Reykjavík University’s Skema, an organization that teaches coding to young people, will be here to teach us about Minecraft.

FALL BREAK Time to Clown Around Fri. 22.10.21 12 pm – 12:45 pm

Spöngin

Silly Suzy is such a funny clown and she can’t wait to meet you! Come play with her, learn about different languages, and do some clowning around!

FALL BREAK Aaaaaoooo Is There a Werewolf in Here?

Sat. 23.10.21 1 pm – 3 pm

Gerðuberg

Join us for a spooky storytime with writer Ævar Þór Benediktsson, who designed the Your Very Own Library Mystery scavenger hunt. Ævar will read stories that will make your hair stand on end and send shivers down your spine.

FALL BREAK Badge-Making Sat. 23.10.21 1:30 pm - 3 pm

Kringlan

We’re going to make our own buttons, pins, and badges. Everyone’s welcome to this fun and experimental workshop.

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Kringlan

Let’s join boardgame designer Embla Vigfúsdóttir to learn and play with languages. We’ll use simple and fun exercises to teach each other new words and sentences in different languages in an encouraging and comfortable environment.

FALL BREAK Bingo Mon. 25.10.21 11 am - 12 pm

Kringlan

Don’t let yourself get bored over fall break! Come and try your luck at our Jokes ’n Bingo extravaganza. We’ll play several rounds and you’ll be told hilarious jokes in between. The bingo cards are free and there will be fun prizes for the lucky winners!

FALL BREAK Bead Book Heroes!

Mán. 25.10.21 kl. 13:00-15:00

Grófin

Let’s take it easy over the Fall Break and use colorful plastic beads to pearl children’s book heroes with the librarians at Grófin, who are always prepared to recommend great books for kids!

October 2021

Video Game Design | Ages 13 - 16 Sat. 30.10.21 12 pm - 1:30 pm

Sólheimar

Do you like video games? Do you dream of designing your own computer game?

Come to this workshop and learn from university students who share your interests.

FALL BREAK Figure Music Workshop Tue. 26.10.21 1 pm - 3 pm

Grófin

Do you want to learn everything you need to know to compose your own music on an iPad in no time at all? During this workshop, we’ll use the music program Figure, which is easy to use and great for kids ages 8 - 14. The possibilities are endless with the program’s wide selection of built-in sounds and beats.

FALL BREAK Bingo Tue. 26.10.21 2 pm - 3 pm

Halloween | Glow in the Dark Crafts Sun. 31.10.21 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Sólheimar

There are few things as fun as playing bingo in a room full of happy kids. As usual, we’ll offer some amusing entertainment between rounds and have prizes for the lucky winners!

Grófin

See those eyes glinting in the darkness? Is it a bat, a mouse, a black cat, or maybe a ghost or a monster? Come to our Halloween workshop and we’ll make spooky creatures and ghosts with eyes that glow in the dark.

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Further information and registration at borgarbokasafn.is

November 2021

Girls Code | Ages 9 - 13 Sat. 06.11.21 12 pm - 2 pm

Spöngin

A coding workshop for girls who want to learn to code in a fun and supportive environment under the guidance of the pros at Skema, an organization at the Reykjavík University.

Sketching, Drawing & Coloring Ages 6 - 16 Sun. 07.11.21 1 pm - 3 pm

Árbær

Do you like to draw? Do you love seeing stories come to life? Join artist and writer Karl Jóhann Jónsson for this crash course in illustration.

where kids can read to a calm, welltrained dog, that is a good listener and won‘t judge. Each session is 20 minutes and you pick the book for the dog.

Old Books, New Art | Workshop Sat. 13.11.21 1 pm - 4 pm

Gerðuberg

Old books get a new life as artwork in this workshop. You’ll be taught easy methods of making different kinds of book art. All material provided.

Minecraft Workshop Sat. 13.11.21 1:30 pm – 3 pm

Kringlan

Are you already a Minecraft pro, or are you just getting started? It doesn’t matter either way because in this workshop, we’ll all learn something new about the game. Minecraft is a fun way for kids and teens to work together to create new worlds on the computer.

Bookmark Making for Everyone Sat. 20.11.21 12pm - 2 pm

Read to Dogs Sat. 13.11.21 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Sólheimar

Do you find reading difficult? Do you love dogs? Then maybe this is something for you: Reading sessions at the library 52

Spöngin

Do you want to make your own bookmarks for all the books you’re going to read in 2022? We have everything you’ll need, as well as some fun ideas to get you started!

November 2021

Snowflakes | Storytime and Workshop Sat. 27.11.21 12 pm - 1 pm Svavar Knútur

Singing time with Svavar Knútur Sun. 21.11.21 1 pm - 2 pm

Árbær

Songwriter and all-around fun guy Svavar Knútur will be here with his instruments and stories and will sing for us. A lovely afternoon’s entertainment for people of all ages.

Christmas Magic with Lalli Sat. 27.11.21 12 pm-12:30 pm

Spöngin

Lalli the famous magician can think of nothing more fun than to gear up for the Christmas season with jokes and magic.

Sólheimar

Minta wanted to draw beautiful pictures like her big brother, but she finds everything she does ugly. But the outcome turns out to be unexpectedly beautiful!

A great story and crafting session for the whole family.

Cocoa Lingua | Fun with Silly Suzy Sun. 28.11.21 1:30 pm - 3 pm

Kringlan

Let’s join Silly Suzy the clown to learn and play with languages. We’ll use simple and fun exercises to teach each other new words and sentences in different languages in a comfortable environment.

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Further information and registration at borgarbokasafn.is

Children’s Book Bash Sun. 05.12.21 1:30 pm - 3 pm

Grófin

Children’s book authors will come read from their books while we enjoy hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies. After that, energetic Yule Lads show up and throw a lively Christmas Bash at Bókatorgið.

December 2021

Dear Friend | Letter Workshop Sat. 04.12.21 1pm - 4 pm

Gerðuberg

In this workshop, you’ll get help writing a letter, putting it in an envelope, and sealing it the old-fashioned way.

Follow the Advent Calendar in December

Boardgame Workshop Sat. 04.12.21 1 pm - 3 pm

Úlfarsárdalur

The people at boardgame shop Spilavinir will introduce a few fun and interesting games. Afterwards we sit down for a games session, where everyone gets a chance to play. Borrow boardgames from the library!

Christmas Cozy Time Sat. 11.12.21 1:30 pm – 3 pm

Kringlan

Christmas cozy time in the children’s section with plenty of cheer, Christmas stories, cookies, and coziness! Children and their families are welcome.

Candy Apples | Family Workshop Sun. 12.12.21 1 pm - 3 pm

Árbær

Red apples are so Christmassy and they become even prettier and tastier when they’re decorated with sugar. Sæunn Þorsteinsdóttir teaches the art of apple decorating. Together, we’ll enjoy a lovely Advent afternoon.

The advent calendar is for children of all ages. Every day from December 1 to 24, a story unfolds with a new chapter and accompanying image.

Keep an eye out at borgarbokasafn.is

55 Further information and registration at borgarbokasafn.is

u Do yo love ? anime

Are you 13 – 16 years old?

Do you want to draw, play games, chat, craft, watch movies, read, or just chill with friends?

Did you answer yes to all the above? Then Anime Club is for you!

Gerðuberg Wednesdays from 4:30 pm – 6 pm Grófin Thursdays from 4:30 pm – 6 pm Free! But don’t forget to register on the library website.

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE REYKJAVIK CITY LIBRARY’S COLLECTION IS CHOCK FULL OF

AUDIO BOOKS FOR KIDS AND TEENS, BOTH IN ICELANDIC AND ENGLISH rafbokasafnid.is

e m i yt

r o St

on s r e p d in

n a l a u t r Vi

Li

n a i n thua

c i d n Icela

Curl up and get cozy during these readings for story-thirsty kids!

Bring your children to the library or listen online. Readings will be in various languages.

h s i l o P h s i n a Sp

Notes

Notes