A new poll by the Icelandic Literature Center reveals that during the previous month, Icelanders read or listened to 2.5 books on average, compared with 2.3 books during the same period last year. 

The Program is scheduled to take place during the Reykjavik International Literary Festival on April 21-24, 2021. 

Interest in Icelandic literature is keen internationally, as witness the record number of applications for translations grants received by the Icelandic Literature Center. Grants have been awarded for 111 translations from Icelandic into 28 languages. Applications totalled 147 this year, a record-breaking number.

It is gratifying to observe Swedes’ enthusiasm for Icelandic literature: over the past century more than 300 books by Icelandic writers have been translated into Swedish and published in Sweden.

Ten Icelandic authors talk about Icelandic literature at Gljúfrasteinn, home of the Icelandic Nobel Laureate Halldór Laxness.

On the website you can find Icelandic authors whose books have been published in other languages.

Due to the present situation, around the world many book fairs, literary events, readings and book launches have been postponed or cancelled. But a number of events will be taking place in the real world in the near future, while others are moving online.

Special initiative in translation grants from Icelandic into other languages, and travel grants now also available for participation in online events and festivals.

Icelandic authors are invariably frequent visitors to literary events all over Germany. In the past three years more than fifty books have been translated from Icelandic into German and published, or are due for publication, in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Measures include extra grant allocations in May, grants for participation in online events instead of travel to events abroad, an initiative in translations from Icelandic into other languages, and collaboration between the Icelandic Literature Center and many bodies and institutions to promote Icelandic literature and Icelandic authors.