Though some believe the age of the old-fashioned book is over, Ari Gísli Bragason, the owner of Reykjavík’s Bókin bookstore, thinks the opposite is true.
Speaking on the interview show, Kastljós on RÚV, Ari shared his conviction that books are actually thriving among readers and collectors.
Though he never planned to be a bookseller, Ari Gísli Bragason has owned Bókin since 1997. A favourite stop among locals and visitors, Bókin’s shelves are stocked full of dusty old tomes, with every square inch of the shop filled with books.
The shop is located on Hverfisgata, just one street down from the popular shopping strip, Laugavegur.
An overwhelming presence of books is nothing new for Ari, whose father an avid reader and book seller. In fact, he returned to Iceland from studying in the U.S with the sole purpose of helping out his father in the bookstore. Having published a handful of his own poetry books before taking over as Bókin’s owner, Ari described books as being his “joy and sorrow.”
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Rise of Reykjavík’s Readers
Bókin houses approximately 100,000 books, and around 100 new books are added to its online database each day. One floor below in the basement, somewhere between 40,000–50,000 books are stored, awaiting online orders.
During the interview, Ari stated that he considers reading to be a public health issue, espousing its healing power and ability to leave lasting impressions on readers.
Thankfully, Bókin attracts a wide range of customers, from literary-minded Icelanders to guests with an interest in poetry, biographies, and local history.
Most importantly, Ari mentioned the many younger readers who frequent his shop, illustrating that reading books is growing in popularity.
“Books are on the rise everywhere,” he told the news agency.