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Why did you choose to learn more about the services and activities of Reykjavík City Library?

Vladimíra: "To tell the truth, I was filling in for a colleague who had fallen ill, and I had to decide quickly whether to go or not. However, I’ve never regretted my decision to go, and I’ve always been interested in Scandinavian libraries, so I didn’t hesitate for long."

Marie: "As part of Erasmus in our field, I was attracted to Nordic libraries. My colleagues were in Finland, Denmark, others are heading to Norway. I wanted to get to know another country in the north. According to the website, your library caught my eye."

Were there any particular projects, programs, or services that especially caught your interest?

Vladimíra: "As a PR professional, I was intrigued by certain activities related to organizing larger events, such as the Future Festival or the Common Ground project. I know what organizing such projects entails, which is why I greatly appreciate the work in this field, especially from a managerial perspective. Since I’m a teacher myself, I was also definitely intrigued by the “Let’s Chat with Accent” Icelandic language courses and their very friendly and straightforward approach to students—something I’ll definitely put to use in my work."

Marie: "In general, I liked the programs that support communities. Especially Chat with an Accent, where you support learning Icelandic and community meetings in various forms. As for services, I was interested in the Open+ option."

What key insights or lessons have you taken away from the visit, and what value do visits like this have for your team?

Vladimíra: "What really caught my attention was the idea of connecting the library with other institutions, such as in Úlfarsárdalur, where the building houses a school as well as a swimming pool. I was thrilled by the concept of an open community space and the Open+ Service. Having a library as part of a smaller area (a residential neighborhood) is certainly beneficial. It is precisely in a smaller space that events can be held that would be impossible to organize in a depersonalized, densely populated area. At the same time, it is not a quiet, isolated place. The idea of a library that does not compete for attention with other services is—in my opinion—the way forward. But that's a matter of changing one's mindset.

Otherwise, I particularly liked the "Story Time by the Fire" event—it’s very informal, so it has the potential to attract teens as well. These are activities that the younger generation is almost completely unfamiliar with, such as storytelling and reading together in a group."

Marie: "It is important to look at other countries, how they do it. To stay in the field. To have a broader perspective. To meet colleagues. To be inspired. What interests us and has the potential to succeed, try to apply to us."

How could Reykjavík City Library improve its role as a host organization?

Vladimíra: "We received a very warm welcome, and the program was truly diverse. I also really appreciate the idea of bringing together different groups to raise awareness of the work of librarians in various parts of Europe. I would definitely recommend this to all host organizations. We were very satisfied."

Marie: "I was very satisfied. A varied program was created for us in advance. They took care of us with interest at all branches. You did a great job as a host organization."

Would you recommend a visit to Reykjavík City Library to staff from other libraries in your home country?

Vladimíra: "I would definitely recommend visiting the libraries in Reykjavík to everyone. It’s an inspiring experience, not only professionally but also on a personal level."

Marie: "I highly recommend a visit to your library, city, and country. It’s worth it."

Thank you so much for your visit!

To Seek Inspiration and New Ideas: An Interview with Marie Štyndlová og Vladimíra Buchtová