Helsinki Central Library Oodi — Attraction in Helsinki sub-region

A gorgeous building, modern, forward-thinking and offering spaces to develop one's creativity. Everyone is welcome. There are seats, free bathrooms, Wifi and materials for a small fee. Plus books, a cafe and an international vibe.

The initial idea that everyone should hone and develop their creative skills is pioneering but the actual execution is not as inclusive as one may expect. For example, only Finns or those who live in Finland can book the services for 3D printing, music producing studio, and other facilities online. You need a Finnish bank account and ID otherwise it is not possible to book any of the services as a foreign visitor. Not even with a credit card. As a visitor, it is simply not possible and the website hasn't been updated so the information that "even visitors can use it" is inaccurate. I was lucky as I kindly send them an email ahead of my stay in Helsinki and one of the staff took pity and booked me in. But this was a one off. You can be luckily on the day but Oodi is popular and booking any of the services in advance is advisable.

I personally don't like that the bathrooms are unisex, nor that literally everyone is allowed to enter the building. I've seen homeless people and worst, Heroin drug addicts roaming the place. They are low key aggressive, smell and make me feel uneasy. The seats are all dirty and I do not want to know who has sat in them before.

The children's playground is another issue, whilst I have nothing against kids and understand children are part of society, I feel a playground is not appropriate in a library. Especially since it is near the study rooms and people require silence to focus.

Whilst I understand and respect Finland's national value of equality, I feel Oodi is somewhat a strange concept given how Finns are also extremely introverted and not necessarily known for community/Geselligheit and collective sitting on top of one another and listening to each other's pretentious TED talks, when in a tram you'll break about 1000 rules of Finnish social etiquette when daring to occupy the seat next to an...

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...

Oodi Library in Helsinki is nothing short of a masterpiece—both architecturally and conceptually. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm, modern design that seamlessly merges open spaces with cozy reading corners. It’s an inclusive haven for visitors of all ages: youngsters can explore playful activity areas and creative workshops, while adults can make use of the quiet study zones, media stations, and versatile workspaces.

One of the most impressive features is how well the library integrates modern technology and community resources. You’ll find 3D printers, recording studios, and even spacious rooms that can be reserved for group projects or events. There’s also a lovely café area, so you can easily grab a coffee or snack when you need a break. The entire building is filled with natural light, creating a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere that truly invites you to linger a while.

Beyond the stunning design and extensive offerings, the staff at Oodi are incredibly helpful and friendly. They’re always on hand to provide guidance or recommend great new reads. This combination of state-of-the-art facilities, diverse programs, and a genuine sense of community makes Oodi a standout destination for both locals and tourists.

If you’re ever in Helsinki, do yourself a favor and spend some time at Oodi. It’s a prime example of a forward-thinking library that still retains the comforting hush of a classic reading room—a perfect balance of tradition...