Helsinki Central Library

On our last full day in Finland, we took the train to Helsinki where we had our own personal guide. Since Niko sold his business years ago, he was trained and works as a tour guide in Helsinki and Lahti.

Niko was very excited to show us Oodi, the Helsinki Central Library which opened about five years ago. The idea of a central library was conceived in 1988 with planning starting ten years later. In January 2015, the decision was made to build the library. The idea was that Oodi would become the flagship project of the 100th anniversary of Finland's independence. 

The library's name was chosen through a contest. The winner from over 1600 suggestions was Oodi (ode) which means a lyrical poem. 

The library doors were opened to the public on the eve of Finland's Independence Day: December 5, 2018. 

Oodi has many well-equipped and accessible facilities, from meeting rooms to a cinema capable of accommodating 250 people. Hundreds of events including author visits, lectures, and concerts are organized at Oodi every year, completely free for all.

Wow! Wow! Wow! I've never seen anything like this place. Both locals and visitors have heavily used Oodi since its opening: in 2019, Oodi had 3.1 million visitors. The new library's popularity was also notice abroad as Oodi received the coveted 2019 Public Library of the Year award.

What makes Oodi so amazing is they have redefined the concept of a library to an "open space for culture and creation where you can do both."

Oodi's brochure states that Oodi is a symbol for equality. Oodi's location on the Kansalaistori Square, opposite the Finnish Parliment House, represents the library's position of a promoter of equality. The Citizen's Balcony on the 3rd floor of Oodi and the entrance to the House of Parliment are on the same level to symbolise democracy and dialogue. 

In the years of planning for Oodi, an important part of the process was asking the Finnish citizens to share their dreams about how this new space could answer their needs both in their work and their free time. And Niko said that almost every wild dream the citizens asked for, except a sauna, was incorporated into Oodi!

The 1st floor is dedicated for meetings of all kinds where you can stop for lunch, go to the movies, play chess, get information about Helsinki, etc. There is a youth space located in a loft on the first floor where teens can hang with friends, do homework, and play video and board games.

On the 2nd floor, the Urban Workshop and studios are open spaces for everyone to learn and create. There are staff to help people of all skill levels get started on creating art and projects. 

The second floor has 3D printers, a laser cutter,  UV printer, a large format printer, a vinyl cutter, and serger sewing machines. Niko showed us how he designed and created the guide flags he uses when he leads groups. 

In rehearsal rooms and studios you can check out instruments and create your own music from start to finish using the most sophisticated music production software.

In Oodi's gaming rooms, you can play with the newest video gaming consoles or try virtual reality glasses. 

Interested in trying 3D printing? No problem as there are stations and staff at Oodi to help you learn. 

Here is the laser cutting studio.

The sewing center where Niko could finish off the edges of his guide flag he made.

Just when you think Oodi can't get anymore amazing, we continued up the beautiful spiral staircase to the 3rd floor, a "Book Heaven" dedicated to relaxation and a wide selection of books in 23 languages. Even the way the books are displayed invites a feeling of openness and light. 

Here you can read under a ceiling that resembles clouds, stop by for coffee, play with your children or grandchildren and admire the surrounding city. 

The pastries served on the 3rd floor rival the finest coffee shops.

There nine real trees growing, under which you can read and explore.

The children's play area was busy with children reading, playing and exploring. 

The Oodi staff are assisted by three mobile

robots that transport boxes of books between the library floors. The robots are named Tatu, Patu, and Veera, all characters from Finnish children's literature. 

We learned the Finns hold the world record for library use: they loan more books from libraries than any other nation in the world! This was truly an amazing experience to see how the Finnish citizens have built on their love of libraries to create a center for education, learning and connecting. How inspiring!