Älvkarleby folkbibliotek

Älvkarleby is an industrial municipality of 9 600 inhabitants at the east coast of Sweden, 150 kilometers north from Stockholm. The administrative and commercial centre is situated in Skutskär, and so is the municipal library (Älvkarleby folkbibliotek). The location is close to public transport. The library is co-located with some other important municipal services. The premises are welcoming and easy to access and include meeting rooms and an exhibition area.  In summertime a small outdoor court is available. The collection of books, newspapers, journals and film is good, but there is not any kind of supply of music. There are quite many events and cultural activities. This is also a place for information to local citizens and tourists. The municipality is the birthplace of the late author Stig Dagerman. Since 1996 the municipality and the Stig Dagerman Society have given a Stig Dagerman Prize (http://dagerman.us/annual-awards/). The award is given to a person who, or an organization that, supports the significance and availability of the “free word” (freedom of speech). The award aim to promote inter-cultural understanding and empathy. FOUR stars: Very good.