Helsinki's flagship library Oodi celebrates 5th anniversary

The library opened in 2018 and is expecting its 10 millionth visitor early next year.

Helsinki's Central Library Oodi
Helsinki's Central Library Oodi seen from the city's Citizens' Square. Image: Tuomas Uusheimo
  • Yle News

Helsinki's Central Library Oodi is marking its fifth anniversary with an event on Tuesday, 5 December.

Over the half decade since it opened its doors, the large, wavelike structure became the city's most used library and a key tourist attraction.

In its initial four months, Oodi saw one million visitors and the flagship library is expecting to welcome its 10 millionth visitor early next year, according to a City of Helsinki press release.

People sitting in armchairs in a row along a long wall of windows.
Oodi has loaned just over 473,000 items this year. Image: Henrietta Hassinen / Yle

This year the sprawling facility loaned out around 473,000 items, which accounts for about 10 percent of the entire city library system's loans. Oodi has more than items to borrow, as it also offers spaces and equipment with which to create music, play video games, study, use 3D printers and also has a small cinema.

Silhouette of a woman walking in front of a large sun-filled window.
This year the library will see visitor numbers close to a pre-pandemic record high of 2019. Image: Jyrki Lyytikkä / Yle

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"Oodi has made it its mission to serve as the innovation library of Finland’s public libraries. This means that every year is different for Oodi, as we are constantly developing our services. The pilot projects that prove most effective are replicated at other libraries in Helsinki or across Finland," Oodi director Anna-Maria Soininvaara said.

Oodi's 5th anniversary event will begin at 2pm on Tuesday 5 December. The programme includes music, a children's clown show and many other activities.

Exterior of Oodi Library, a wooden, curved and dramatically angled building.
Exterior of Oodi Library, file photo. Image: Jyrki Lyytikkä / Yle

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