Oodi: A visit to Helsinki central library (PHOTO STORY)

 I was fortunate to visit the Oodi library in Helsinki last week. It was awe-inspiring to follow the architecture, structure, and compartmentalization of the building. It’s somewhere I’d encourage everyone to visit and enjoy the experience; it’s worthwhile.


If you are bored and looking to relax, or you want to impress your date with your artistic skills, the Oodi library is the place that you should visit. Unlike other libraries that are predominantly only for studying, at Oodi library, you can create music, meet robots and learn about Artificial Intelligence (AI), become a day fashion designer, among several other things.
The Oodi library guidebook



What You Should Know About Oodi Library
The impressive staircase in Oodi
In Finland, every municipality and city has a library. In total, there are over 800 libraries in the country, and as of the time of this report, there are 1.9 million cards.

Oodi is one of the nearly 40 libraries in Helsinki city library network, and a part of the broader capital region’s Helmet network that shares a collection of around 3.4 million books and other works.

It is important to note that Finns hold the world record for library use. 

Major Facts About Oodi:

The compound of the Oodi Library


Oodi Library was opened on December 5, 2018 (on the eve of Finland’s Independence Day). It is located in Töölönlahdenkatu 4, Helsinki. The Architecture was designed by ALA Architects (famous for its wooden design and wave-like structure).



What Makes Oodi Special?



The following are various facts that makes Oodi library special:

The Architectural Marvel: Features sustainable wooden design and modern Nordic aesthetics. The building has three floors, each with a distinct atmosphere.



Three-Level Experience:



1st Floor – Urban Workshop:

      • Cafés, cinema (kino Regina), exhibition spaces.
      • Makerspace with 3D printers, sewing machines, and gaming rooms.

2nd Floor – Active Floor:

      • Meeting rooms, recording studios, music instruments.
      • Rooms can be reserved for free.

3rd Floor – Book Heaven:

      • Thousands of books, quiet reading areas, and panoramic views of Helsinki.

 


Free & Open to All:

    • No membership fees required to use most services.
    • Popular among locals, tourists, and digital nomads.

Tech-Friendly:

    • Offers free Wi-Fi, computer access, charging stations, and self-service book borrowing.

Community & Events:

    • Hosts talks, workshops, book clubs, and cultural events regularly.

 


Awards & Recognition:

Public Library of the Year 2019 (by IFLA)

Recognized globally for its innovative take on what a 21st-century library should be.

 


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