Stack That TBR Pile High: How Can My Library Celebrate Jolabokaflod?
by Travis Corter, Brodart Copywriter
Librarians, have you heard about the “Christmas book flood”? Each year during Jolabokaflod (Jólabókaflóðið), readers in Iceland celebrate their voracious love for reading by exchanging books on December 24, then reading them all through the night.
Origin Story
Jolabokaflod was founded in 1944, during World War II. Its popularity grew, in part, because paper was one of the few resources exempt from wartime rationing. The tradition eventually expanded across the globe. These days, Icelandic residents actually receive an annual book catalog during the Reykjavik Book Fair to help them prepare for the festive Jolabokaflod.
Making Memories
In Iceland, revelers celebrate the holiday by exchanging gifts, then sitting down with some hot chocolate and diving into an exciting new book. What’s to stop you from doing the same? I can think of few better ways to spend an evening.
Celebrate Jolabokaflod at Your Library
December is the perfect time to suggest new titles to your library’s eager bibliophiles. Consider highlighting hidden gems or debut authors with fun Jolabokaflod programming. You might invite young library visitors to name their favorite fictional character and create a fun “invitation” asking the character to join them for some holiday cocoa.
A Jolabokaflod “Gift Station” might make the season even brighter. Invite library members to select a wrapped, gently used book (marked only for age and genre) for a small fee or donation—to be given as a Jolabokaflod gift!
Spread Some Cheer
Why should your patrons have all the fun? Your library staff might enjoy celebrating the festive season with a coworker book exchange. Or perhaps they could share a favorite craft idea while unpacking a fresh set of due-date cards or firing up the laminator.
However you celebrate the holiday season, make sure your books are well-equipped to handle anything.
Save 20% on Circulation Supplies and 10% on Laminators and Laminates through January 5, 2026.
Happy Jolabokaflod. Bring on the books!