Helsinki's libraries change with the times and continue to grow in popularity – Oodi set to surpass the 10-million-visitor mark
Myllypuro library started to operate as a self-service library in January 2024. Photo: Suvi-Tuuli Kankaanpää, City of Helsinki
Libraries are a great example of open and inclusive urban spaces where everyone is welcome. The popularity of libraries in Helsinki continues to grow – last year they had 24% more visitors than the previous year. Helsinki Central Library Oodi, which opened in 2018, is already set to break the 10-million-visitor mark. Helsinki’s newest local library opened in the new residential district of Kalasatama on 15 January 2024.
Libraries are a great example of open and inclusive non-commercial urban spaces where everyone is welcome. The central task of libraries is to foster literacy and reading for everyone, as well as to encourage lifelong learning. Helsinki, with a population of 650,000, has 38 libraries, the newest of which opened in the new residential district of Kalasatama on 15 January. Already in its first week, the new library attracted 12,000 visitors.
Helsinki’s libraries are spaces for active urbanism that offer not only books but a host of other services as well, such as sewing machines, computers, 3D printers, sports equipment and various printers, with assistance provided by library staff. Libraries also organise free and open events for everyone, from literary discussions to concerts.
Helsinki Central Library Oodi is a popular venue for events. Photo: Suvi-Tuuli Kankaanpää, City of Helsinki
Equality is Oodi's most important value
Helsinki Central Library Oodi, which opened in December 2018, was a 100th anniversary gift to independent Finland. The central library was planned together with local residents. In addition to the book heaven on the upper floor, the library has a middle floor designed for meetings and active learning, as well as a lobby that opens onto a public square. The ground floor houses a café, the Kino Regina cinema, a youth centre, the Loru playground, the main reception and a popular area for playing chess.
Helsinki-based ALA Architects won the international architecture competition for the new library, and their spectacular architecture creates a perfect setting for Oodi's many functions. Oodi has become Helsinki's most popular and active library, also in terms of borrowing books. In 2023, 519,904 books were borrowed from Oodi, 24% more than in 2022.
Oodi has become an example of what an inclusive open urban space can be at its best. In five years, Oodi has become an integral part of Helsinki and is set to surpass the 10-million-visitor mark any day now.
“Everyone is welcome in Oodi, and our most important values are equality and freedom of speech. Oodi has space for businesspeople and the homeless, pensioners and families with children. We strive to offer interesting things to do and services for absolutely everyone,” says Anna-Maria Soininvaara, Director of Oodi.
Librarians setting books on shelves in the new Kalasatama library. Photo: Maarit Hohteri, City of Helsinki
Kalasatama library feeds the imagination
Helsinki's newest library opened on 15 January 2024 inside the Redi shopping mall in Kalasatama. Helsinki-based design agency Rune & Berg Design was responsible for the interior design of the library, which was implemented together with local residents. Almost 1000 people participated in the library’s design workshops and surveys.
The goal was to create a space that feeds the imagination and where children's handprints can be seen in particular. For example, the design language of the sofas was taken from the modelling clay designs made by schoolchildren in the workshops. The Kalasatama area is popular among families with children, and the library's activities and services are aimed especially towards local children and young people. Already in its first week, the new library attracted 12,000 visitors.
Self-service libraries operate on the basis of trust
In 2024, more self-service libraries will be opened in Helsinki. The idea behind self-service libraries is based on a strong trust in local residents, and they serve as trendsetters in opening up the city's facilities for locals to use by themselves. Self-service libraries can also be used outside of regular opening hours with a library card and a PIN code. Helsinki already has seven self-service libraries, of which Myllypuro library was the latest to open at the beginning of January 2024.
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Leena Karppinen
Senior Manager, PR & Communications
Helsinki Partners
leena.karppinen@helsinkipartners.com
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