Libraries - Helsinki Finland

So, on our trip to Finland, we spent 3 days in Helsinki. Saw museums, churches, an open air museum and libraries. The libraries, of course, were my favorite. Oodi is the newest public library in Helsinki, which proves not just how much Finns love libraries, but also how important space and design our to the human psyche. The Finns seem to really understand that.

The library is designed to look like a wave, and not only does the roof line and windows seem to wave, but that theme inside follows with platforms that rise on the ends of the floor and ceilings that roll like waves. 

From the curving stairs to the rolling ceiling, the rounded edges of the building are so inviting. Maybe as a librarian I just find the spirit of the public library as a welcoming, democratic ideal inviting, but there is something about this building which feels warm, inviting, uplifting. 

The main floor holds meeting spaces and even a theater. The second floor is a makerspace with not just 3-D printers and laser cutters, but also sound studios and filming equipment. The third floor is the actual stacks and library space. 

Finns are avid readers and love their libraries. They also feel very strongly about the public supporting public spaces and frown on corporate money going to build libraries and other public buildings. And boy, do they know how to design buildings. Of everything we saw in Helsinki, I loved the libraries best. 

Here's the National Library and the University of Helsinki Library.