Frequently asked questions

 

Answers to questions regarding Covid-19 restrictions at the library.

See also Info on the E-Library and How to use the E-Library.

If you can’t find the answer to your question here, be in touch with us through our web chat or send us a message through our Contact Us page.

 

What is available for loan at the Reykjavík City Library?

The Reykjavik City Library has a wide variety of books, magazines, music, films, language courses, and more for all ages.

You can search our entire collection through our website. Try typing a title, author, or material description in the search window at the top of the page. 

In addition, it’s possible to rent or purchase art by Icelandic artists through Artótek, which is located at Grófin on Tryggvagata 15. For more information, visit artotek.is.
 

How much does a library card cost and where do I get one?

You can get a new library card at any public library in Reykjavík or the greater Reykjavík area. You only need to show a personal ID and pay the annual fee.

Information about the annual fee for a library card can be found under fees and fines. 

Adult users can renew an expired library card on the website by signing into “My Account” at the top of the page and paying the annual fee.

Senior citizens, 67 years and older, do not have to pay for a library card, and may renew their card by signing into “My Account” at the top of the page.

Children under 18 years old and people with disabilities do not have to pay for a library card, but must register or renew their cards at the library. These users can not register or renew their free library cards online.

Library cards are included in a Reykjavik Culture Pass, which is valid at the Reykjavik Art Museum and the Reykjavik City Museum. Learn more about the Reykjavik Culture Pass at menningarkort.is.

If you have a valid library card with any of the other public libraries in the capital region (see full list), that card is also valid at the Reykjavík City Library.
 

How long is the library card valid and where can I use it?

A library card is valid for one year. A library card can be used at all public libraries in the capital region. These are:
All Reykjavik City Libraries
Garðabær Public Library
Hafnarfjörður Public Library
Kópavogur Public Library
Mosfellsbær Public Library
Seltjarnarnes Public Library

Where can I get a digital library card?

Click here to get a digital library card for your phone.

Note that Android users need to install the app „Smart Wallet“ in order to use the card.

Can I reserve books and other materials?

Yes, to reserve books or other material through the website, click on a title, choose “reserve,” and then choose a pickup location. You can also send us a message through Facebook, be in touch via our web chat, or call the library. See an overview of our library locations and phone numbers.
 

Can I reserve books and other materials from other libraries?

Yes. When you place a reservation here on the website you only need to select your pick-up location. The item will be sent there from wherever it is available.

You can also reserve items from the Mosfellsbær and Seltjarnarnes public libraries, and have them sent to any of the Reykjavík City Library locations. When you reserve any of their items on Leitir.is, simply choose any of our libraries as your pickup location.

And finally, you can request an interlibrary loan from any public library outside the capital region. Find the item on leitir.is, choose “reserve” and “interlibrary loan”. Note that the Reykjavík City Library charges a fee for handling interlibrary loans, see fees and fines.

Interlibrary loans can not be made from other public libraries in the capital region, but as mentioned above, your library card is valid for all the public libraries in the capital region.
 

When can I pick up my reserved materials?

  • If the material is “on shelf” at your pick-up location, the wait is usually minimal. We will notify you by email or phone when the reservation is ready.
  • If the material is “on shelf” at a library other than your pick-up location, it will be sent over and we will notify you by email or phone when the reservation is ready. Reservations are sent between libraries twice a week.
  • If no copies of the material are “on shelf”, you will be placed on a waiting list, and we will notify you by email or phone when the reservation is ready at your pick-up location.

 

Can I see my current loans on the website?

Yes. You can sign in through “My Account” in the upper-right corner of our website. You can use your kennitala (ID number) and PIN number (the same one you use for our self-service machines). 

After signing in, you can see what you have on loan and when it is due. You can also see the status of items you have on hold, extend your loan periods, pay late fees, and renew your library card if necessary. 

 

How long can I keep books and other items?

Lending periods vary by type of material, with books being typically loaned out for 30 days; music and videos for 2 weeks.  

Adults can have up to 40 items at one time; children under 18 years old can have up to 15 items.

 

Can I extend a library loan?

Yes. You can sign into your account through “My Pages” in the upper-right corner of the page. You can use your kennitala (ID number) and PIN number (the same one you use for our self-service machines).

In My Pages, you can extend each item loan twice. You can also extend by calling or visiting the library. See an overview of our library locations and phone numbers.
 

What is “My Account”?

By logging into your account, you can see and extend your current loans, settle your late fees, reserve materials etc.

You can log in by clicking “My Account”, using either your kennitala (ID number) PIN (the same one you use for the self-service machines).
 

Where can I set or change my password?

All users must pick a password to use with their library cards. The password is used to log in to “My Account” here on borgarbokasafn.is, also on leitir.is and the E-Library, rafbokasafn.is.

If you don't remember your password, or have never set one, you can request a new one here: Request a new password via the library system.

The password is a new requirement of the library management system implemented in June 2022. Before this time, the PIN number was used for every login, but now the PIN is only used for the self-service machines.
 

Where can I set or change my PIN?

All users must pick a PIN number to use with their library cards. This number is used to log into the self-service machines.

If you have forgotten your PIN, there are two ways to set a new one:

Go to “My Account” and log in. Then go to the “User profile” page on your account, input a new PIN and save.

Or visit the front desk of your nearest library with some form of identification, and have the staff set a new PIN.
 

Is my library card still valid?

You can check by logging into “My Account” and going to the “Settings” page, where the expiration date is listed.

If your card has expired, you will be redirected to the renewal page upon logging in.

If you have a valid Reykjavík Culture Pass (“Menningarkort”), this includes a library card with the same expiration date. To activate your library card using the Reykjavík Culture Pass, please visit the front desk of your nearest library. See more info on the Reykjavík Culture Pass.
 

Can I use someone else‘s library card, or can I lend my card to someone else?

No. Library cards are registered to individuals and you cannot use somebody else’s library card. As the owner of the library card, you are responsible for all items borrowed with the card.
 

What if I can't visit the library due to age or physical disability?

Go here to sign up for the home delivery service Books to Your Home.
 

How much does it cost to borrow books or DVDs?

There is no additional cost associated with borrowing books, DVDs, or anything else – you just need to have a valid library card. 

 

How high are the overdue fines?

Read all about fines in the fees and fines list.
 

Can I access the internet at the Reykjavík City Library?

All of our library locations offer free Wi-Fi, which guests can connect to though their laptops, phones, etc. 

We also offer access to computers that are connected to the internet.
 

What happens if I lose or damage items that I borrow?

You must pay for items that get lost or damaged under your care. Fines for missing or damaged items can be found in the fees and fines list. 
 

Does The Reykjavik City Library accept book gifts?

No, unfortunately, we cannot accept gifted books.