Visit Helsinki: Helsinki Central Library Oodi

In commercial collaboration with Helsinki Partners as part of the Influence Sustainably program.

One of the most impressive things about Helsinki, of which there are many, is their innovative design and architecture which is evident at every turn. With the perfect juxtaposition of historical and modern buildings, each fits perfectly into the landscape and represents so much more than just bricks and mortar. We absolutely loved admiring the different styles of architecture during our stay and, from the oldest buildings to the newest, it was a real honour to find out more. One of the more recent buildings, the Helsinki Central Library Oodi – commonly known as Oodi – was undoubtedly our favourite.

Celebrating Helsinki’s quirky spirit through design, Oodi is just the most beautiful and eye-catching building and occupies a hugely significant site in central Helsinki facing the steps of the Finnish parliament building and the Kansalaistori square. The placement of Oodi was no coincidence with it specifically chosen to symbolise the relationship between the government and the Helsinki people to act as a constant reminder of democracy, freedom of expression, lifelong learning and active citizenship. I think that right there tells you everything you need to know about the kind of city Helsinki is.

Although Oodi is indeed a library, home to “Book heaven” as lovingly nicknamed by the locals, we were amazed to discover that books fill just a third of this beautiful building. Having consulted library-users and discussed with locals what they would like to see from this space, designers created a cafe, a restaurant, a movie theatre, audio-visual recording studios, a maker space, public balcony and an extended living area for all to enjoy. As we made our way inside I couldn’t help but feel that this is everything we are lacking right here in the UK.

The bottom floor is mostly home to quick book loans, an information desk and the cafe and restaurant with seating spilling into the outdoors in the warmer months. For me it is the middle floor which offers the most interesting and innovative resources with private room hire, kitchens, conference spaces, studio rooms, gaming cubes and a whole host of workshops and events for locals to enjoy. Although Oodi is free to join, some of these workshops come at a fee although we were told these are minimal charges and therefore really open up a world of opportunity to everyone.

From laser cutters to sewing machines, 3D printers to engraving machines, the technology available here at Oodi is incredible and it was heart warming to walk through this floor and see just what a huge difference it is making to those who live and visit Helsinki. I love the idea of booking onto a workshop and discovering a love for something new or brushing up on skills which allow you to branch out into a new career. I think if every city provided something similar to Oodi we would live in a far better society because of it.

As a parent to a teenager myself, I loved seeing groups of youths hanging out here in Oodi and whether they were playing in the gaming cubes together, making music in one of the studios, or just enjoying conversations in the seating areas, they were all so respectful and perfectly behaved. I guess coming from the UK we aren’t always used to that and I genuinely think that half of the problem in our country is a distinct lack of provisions for this age group. We spoke with several of the locals in Helsinki who said many young people come to Oodi after school to spend time with family or friends and it has very much become an extended living space as opposed to hanging around on the city streets.

Although the middle floor was impressive, as a book lover it was the top floor which completely wowed me. Here you will find over 100,000 items available to borrow in almost 20 different languages which reflects the diverse and inclusive nature of Helsinki. Not only can you borrow books but they have a large collection of sheet music, comic books, games consoles and even board games to take home and use too.

I loved that in the centre of the top floor you will find the Rainbow Shelf where you will find literature and films related to sexual and gender minorities which again reflects the inclusive nature of Helsinki. Of all the places we have visited over the years, I genuinely can’t think of a single place where they have celebrated individuality in the same way as they do here. As a parent, the Helsinki way of life is everything I want to instil in my children and we took away so many lessons from this trip which I will continue to share.

With floor to ceiling glass windows and a sweeping wooden curved viewing platform, the top floor of Oodi is the perfect spot to watch the world go by. In the Summer months the Citizen’s Balcony is open where you can sit outdoors admiring the view towards Töölönlahti Bay whilst reading, working, catching up with friends or playing a board game. I love that the Citizen’s Balcony is built on the same level as the balcony of the Finnish Parliament to reiterate the feeling of equality between the Helsinki government and its people. The thought process behind every single structure in this city is just fascinating!

Whilst the outside of Oodi embraces nature with locally sourced Finnish spruce plank cladding, this theme continues inside with large trees to bring the outside in and create the most unique and tranquil space to enjoy. Had someone told me we would travel to Finland and spend several hours in a library I would never have believed it but this place is so much more than that and I think we could happily have stayed there all day long.

The children’s absolute favourite thing about Oodi was without a doubt the three robot librarians, named by the local school children as Tatu, Patu and Veera. The “robots”, or automated guided vehicles, transport boxes of books between floors and I can’t even tell you how excited the children were by this. They happily followed them back and forth, watched in amazement as they navigated the lifts, returning minutes later with a fresh box of books ready to start all over again. Helsinki is so far ahead of their game when it comes to technology and I love that Oodi really incorporates every aspect of that across the three floors.

Although there are lifts throughout Oodi making it accessible for all, I recommend taking the large spiral staircase in the centre of Oodi to admire the flawless design and the art installation ‘Omistuskirjoitus’ seen painted on the walls spanning all three floors. Otto Karvonen’s work is a dedication to the visitors of the library, and to those who do not frequent the library, and reminds us that it belongs to everyone regardless of origin, age, wealth or any other factor. It tells us that the library aims for basic human rights such as the right to access information, freedom of speech and how these apply equally to everyone. And I guess it’s an accumulation of expressions such as this which really caused us to fall in love with this city.

We loved every minute of exploring Oodi and if you are planning to visit Helsinki it should be right up there at the top of your itinerary. I look forward to returning to Helsinki in the near future, climbing that magnificent staircase, looking out across the square and dreaming of a time when the UK government finally begins to offer us with the same provisions, respect and equality as shown here in Finland.

You can find out more about Oodi via the website www.oodihelsinki.fi.