Helsinki Central Library — not just a place for a rainy day
For a country that receives kudos when it comes to its deep-rooted introversion and a system of education that draws researchers as much as journalists and teachers, it makes sense to have a state of the art library that goes beyond what most people consider top notch. Oodi aka the Helsinki Living Room — to call it by its intention — means something different to everyone, and that’s precisely the beauty of it. While not exactly a secret — impossible to keep something that is smack in the middle of the city hidden — it is still a place that tends to be frequented mainly by locals, unless someone is deliberately looking for architecture in Helsinki, or well, interesting places with books.
Imagine a library that doubles as not just a reading arena but pretty much a space for any and everything you could think of, including just wanting to sit there and stare into space. In other words, a space you can come to when you just want to sit there and be / when you want to sit there and just be. At Oodi you can choose from a variety of spaces that cost nothing and allows you to take time out for yourself without having to spend money. And unless you want to check something out, you don’t even need a card because in the Nordics education — and all that goes with it (i.e. all the instruments, machines and contraptions) — is seen not as a privilege but a government-given right.
So far, so library. Here’s where the next bit comes in. The living room part. If your living room is the kind where you either sit and stream your favorite shows — or whatever it is that you watch — or want to create. Want to print out some stuff in 3D or picture format? Come here. Want to use the vinyl cutter because you deem your patience strong enough to tackle even the most intricate of details? Not a problem at all. That’s what the Urban Workshop space on the second level is for. Ditto if you want to sew on a button — or engage in something more ambitious, perhaps a breath-of-fresh-air design that incorporates recycling and upcycling concepts — laminate your work, make a button, use a computer or something more sophisticated like a laser cutter, or a host of other machines and contraptions you can think of. And then there’s an assortment of conference and game rooms, photo and sound studios and a virtual reality exhibition space among the more familiar reading room and study area. And that’s without having mentioned the hang out spaces where you can charge your electronics without having to pay a single penny or fill your water bottle for the same price. And for the super brave — or those wanting to learn — there is a fully equipped kitchen which you can rent for a certain fee. Always wanted to try your hand at sushi? Never too late to start. Tired of your family and friends always freeloading at your house because they can’t cook but you can? Have them pitch in to rent the kitchen at Oodi and teach them your ways. Of course, if you want a quiet space to study, hold a meeting or have a heart-to-heart witha loved one, there’s ample space for that too.
There’s still more for your entertainment above and below. On the street level you can play chess, get your basic library information or even rent some sports equipment for the courts and grass outside, play chess after returning your books. Seeking information on the EU? Hit up the info stand there and mull things over while sipping your coffee at the restaurant / cafe further down, or fortify yourself with some lunch before you get some admin stuff out of the way on the computers provided for that purpose (pro tip, it beats the lines in various institutions and places, besides everything is online these days anyway here in Finland) (if you think you can find a partner worthy of your wit and your skills). Hang out here, if you like watching the people outside (more so if there is an event), or catch a classic in the cinema (a good idea too, if you never had a cinema course in college, but want to catch up).
Looking for books? You’ll find them upstairs on the third floor (Finns see whatever is at street level as the first floor, so beware). Find a book or a board game if you are with others (games can be played anywhere as long as they do not leave the premises, though the top floor terrace is also absolutely fine in the spring and in summer), get yourself a space out in the open or feel the comfort of being in your own bubble in one of the many pods visible throughout and enjoy your stay.
Children of all ages are catered for too, with a choice of their own space in the back, open play areas and two rooms for story telling or games. Parents yearning for more adult conversation can bring their toddlers here for organized activities, ditto if you wish to socialize the young sprog from an early age onwards. Worried about staying awake? Fear no more, as there is coffee here too. That myth (which really isn’t all that much of a legend) of Finns drinking a coffee every two hours can also be applied to Finns needing a coffee every other level. Pro tip, if you have friends staying over and don’t quite know what to do with them while you have to work or are otherwise engaged, bring them to Oodi. Between the activities mentioned and various artworks and installations, there won’t be a dull moment left for them. You get to work / go about your business knowing that your guests are happy and safe, and your guests will feel like they got proper insight into the everyday machinations of the Finnish capital and will leave with a feeling that they truly got the full Helsinki experience.
Truly not just a place for a rainy day.
