Visiting the Helsinki Central Library Oodi was an absolute pleasure! From the moment we stepped inside, we were captivated by the modern architecture and open spaces of this modern, ship-shaped building. The ground floor is home to a lovely cafeteria with affordable food, which proved to be a great place for a relaxing break.

The middle mezzanine is a hub of creativity and collaboration, equipped with an impressive range of facilities including 3D printers, laser engraving printers, ironing boards, sewing stations and much more. Adjacent are well-equipped music studios, Playstation dens and meeting rooms, all buzzing with people working on different projects - meeting, discussing, socialising and creating.

The top floor is the icing on the cake - a large open space, beautifully laid out and well lit, housing an extensive collection of books. We spent relaxing hours exploring this level, admiring not only the books but also the phenomenal design and thoughtful arrangement of designated reading and contemplation areas with a wonderful variety of chairs, armchairs and sofas to curl up in and get lost in a book or other work. There was also a designated area for toddler play and plenty of space to park strollers.

One small suggestion for improvement would be to expand the information about the building on the library's website. A more detailed exploration of the architecture, design themes and history of the competition for the building could enrich the experience for curious visitors like us.

Despite this minor quibble, we left Oodi with a deep appreciation for this incredible public space that fosters creativity and community. The people of Helsinki can be proud to have such a wonderful resource at their doorstep.

We are grateful for an unforgettable morning at Oodi and look forward to returning in the future. Hats off to the people of this vibrant city!