I adore libraries, probably more than bookstores. Libraries not only regulate the sustainable circulation of books among people, but also provide a space for reading, writing and killing time. They gave me solace when I lived abroad and felt it otherwise hard to integrate into a foreign society. I love a good library. I thought nothing could top Amsterdam Public Library (OBA), but here I am, gaping at the futuristic exterior made of glass and Finnish spruce planks and relaxing in a cosy armchair in the Book Heaven enjoying the spectacular view.
Oodi, or the Central Library of Helsinki, was opened in 2018 as a “a non-commercial, urban public space that is open to all, right opposite the Parliament Building” (more about the concept here). The building consists of three floors. The ground floor is a busy lobby with library services, event spaces and a cafe. The second is dedicated to work, learning, spending time with friends and family (you can book a meeting room, for example). The third, the Book Heaven, is a space to relax and unwind with books.
I was taken aback by how quiet it is inside. People respect each other’s privacy and let others concentrate on working, reading or just sipping a coffee enjoying the great view. By the way, cafes at Oodi is another thing worth mentioning. They are very modern, clean, and serve tasty coffee. Helsinki is an expensive city, so finding an affordable lunch spot can be a challenge. Lifehack: Oodi’s cafe on the ground floor offers a wholesome buffet with soup, second course (veggy option included), a salad and a choice of tea or coffee for around 10 euros! Beware that lunch is served only from 12 to 14:30.
The library is serviced partly by robots, so your books are carried to you with the help of special automatic “librarians”. There are around 100,000 items available for borrowing, and these are not only books but also board games, music, magazines etc. I don’t know if borrowing books is free (I think so, since Finland is known for its social welfare), but you can definitely spend a few hours or even a whole day reading here or browsing the shelves of this oh so modern book paradise.
Location: Töölönlahdenkatu 4, Helsinki, Finland.
