Helsinki’s Oodi Library: A virtual tour

Oodi library is one of the most modern libraries in the entire world!

Officially called the Helsinki central library Oodi, it just opened in December of 2018! Oodi means ode in Finnish and it was an Independence day gift from the state. It is meant to be a central meeting place for knowledge, relaxation, and new connections. I have been watching the building being built ever since I moved to Finland. I couldn’t contain my excitement when I first walked in!

Here is a virtual tour of the Oodi library and if you’re in Helsinki be sure to check it out!

Floor 1 

The first floor consists of a cafe, movie theater, book returns, drop in computers, and a performance space. 

There is both a cafe and a place to get a meal down stairs:

A movie theater:

The stair well looking up to the third floor (can’t stop marveling at the cool architecture):

Floor 2 

The second floor has some interesting aspects that define Oodi as a modern library. It has sewing machines, 3d printers, group rooms, and probably much more that I still haven’t discovered yet. I sometimes see a group of people knitting on the rocking chairs or a group playing computer games!

Sewing machines which I can’t wait to try out soon:

3D Printers are also available, it couldn’t get any more cutting edge than that:

I think this is some kind of computer game room! There are also small group rooms on this floor: 

Floor 3 

The third floor is the most traditional library area. There are bookshelves full of books, another cafe, children’s play and reading areas, as well as nice desks with plenty of power outlets.

There is a nice window facing seating area, perfect for reading!: 

Finally, here are also some of my own favorite things about this library:

📚The bathrooms: their bathroom facilities are plentiful! They don’t separate men and women so there is less wait time. Also everything in the bathroom is automated!

📚If you get a drink at the cafe you can bring it everywhere. I will often buy a tea and keep refilling it with hot water while I work on my computer. The prices are also reasonable.

📚They have many different cozy seating options. They have sofas, little individual chairs, and desks. You can find a unique place to hang out no matter what your mood.

I hope you enjoyed my virtual tour! Have you already visited this state of the art library? I would love to hear about your thoughts and experiences!