The joy of reading for over 130 years and an important part of Ibsenbyen Skien

For more than 130 years, Skien Library has fulfilled the founding fathers' fundamental first clause and given the town's inhabitants "Easy access to good and useful reading". Originally, the library was located in Festiviteten. After 70 cramped years there, the library got its own new building in Skistredet 12, today called Brunosten.

When Ibsenhuset opened in 1973, the library moved to new premises in the basement of the cultural center.

Before the anniversary year in 2028, Skien Library will once again be on the move, this time to the city's new architect-designed iconic building - the Ibsen Library.

You can always find the updated program for what you can experience at skienbibliotek.no ➚

The Ibsen Library and Henrik Ibsen

The Ibsen Library could become Skien's new meeting place, inspired by Ibsen's drama. In addition to Skien Library, the iconic building will house the municipality's service center, tourist information and, not least, the communication center for Henrik Ibsen, Sølvåren.

The Ibsen Library will also have plenty of space for Skien Library's impressive collection of Ibsen's plays with more than 700 titles - one of Norway's largest.

 

Sølvåren Ibsen communication center

Sølvåren Ibsen formidlingssenter offers innovative presentations of Ibsen's literature and poetry, and both organizes events and offers its own presentations. The center makes Ibsen's texts and themes accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background or prior knowledge. This is done through textual presentations or by illuminating the works thematically through creative and engaging forms of presentation. Sølvåren wants to be an active partner in collaborations with Ibsen actors and relevant art institutions, both locally, nationally and internationally.

In order to achieve the goal of being for everyone, they divide their initiatives and projects into target groups:

  • Ibsen CHILDREN & FAMILY
  • Ibsen UNG
  • Ibsen PROFESSIONAL
  • Ibsen INTERNATIONAL
  • Ibsen NYSGJERRIG

The new communication center will be like a silver oar in the new library, in some places clearly visible, in other places more hidden. The physical center will provide visitors with stories about Ibsen and Ibsen's plays through designed experiences and art. Sølvåren will play an active role in the design of the center through professional collaboration with external actors such as experience designers and art consultants.

Read more about Skien Library at skienbibliotek.no➚and Sølvåren at solvaren.no➚