Functional society

Photo: Ilkka Vuorinen

In Finland, libraries play a strong role for all in society as an open, free-of-charge, low-threshold service. In library facilities, anyone can study, work, organise different functions and participate in them.

Libraries help different people to meet each other and offer practical help in doing things for those who need it. Plenty of pedagogical activities and events are organised for children. School classes visit libraries to learn about their work, how to search for information and to have different kinds of experiences. A range of participatory activities is available for young people, adults and senior citizens alike.

Multilingual Library offers people living anywhere in Finland a chance to read literature in their native language. Many libraries also support the integration of immigrants in different ways.

Check out the latest case study: Covid-19 and Finnish public libraries