Finland Is Redefining What a Library Can Be

Helsinki is home to a remarkable new library concept that is proving to be hugely popular.

Credit: Ants Vahter

The Oodi Library is writing a new chapter in the history of public space. Instead of being merely a repository for books, it's an alternative working and learning space, a cultural and community centre, and a platform for democracy and citizen initiatives - and attracts people of all ages. Remarkably, and against the trend elsewhere in the world, half of the city's 1.3 million residents use the Oodi Library every month, and 20 percent use it weekly. Located opposite the Finnish Parliament - perhaps signifying that learning is as important as politics - it aims to “embrace technology and progressive values” to provide a variety of innovative services.

Oodi visitors can work or relax in the building’s third floor Book Heaven where visitors have access to over 100,000 books and magazines in over 20 languages, plus a large collection of sheet music and a huge collection of comics. There are even many different consoles and board games, making the space like a giant community living room.

Credit: Tuomas Uusheimo

Credit: Kuvio

Credit: Risto Rimppi

But perhaps the most impressive thing about Oodi - and many other Finnish libraries like it - is its other facilities. On the second floor, they have the Urban Workshop, a “DIY culture space open to all” with sewing machines, traditional craft equipment, 3D printers, photo printers, a laser cutter, and plenty more besides. Let's not forget the electronics workshop, music studios, and media workstations with software for digital drawing, image processing, layout design, and video editing. Everything can be used for free, allowing people of all backgrounds to work on their creative ideas and easily collaborate if they wish to.

All of these resources are operated by the city and are available across multiple libraries in Helsinki. The initiative reflects Finland’s broader commitment to equality and sustainability. By offering tools like sewing machines, libraries encourage people to repair rather than replace their clothes, reducing waste and supporting a more environmentally friendly economy. Plus, with wider access to creative equipment, these spaces help make Finland’s communities even more vibrant and imaginative.