Would you like to hold an event at the library? Do you need space or equipment for your activities? Libraries in Helsinki offer a wide range of opportunities for communities, businesses, organisations and other operators.
Libraries in Helsinki
A library is always close in Helsinki. The 38 libraries and two mobile libraries provide people with stories, events, facilities and encounters all over the city.
Helsinki City Library works with a wide range of different operators: communities, organisations, schools, businesses and residents. Partnerships help us build a more vibrant, inclusive and equal Helsinki.
Library partnerships are based on openness, trust and a common goal: to strengthen the education, wellbeing and inclusion of residents. By working together, we can bring new perspectives, events and services to the library and make our spaces more meaningful meeting places.
The library is a platform open to all – let's create together!
Library facilities
The library has plenty of space for a variety of needs. Wireless internet access is available via Stadinetti and some of the rooms also have meeting technology.
You can use the bookable spaces to work or hold a meeting, for example. Libraries house various spaces from office-type spaces suited to individual people to meeting rooms for several dozen people.
The library also has hobby rooms and studios that can be booked. You can use them to make music, take photos, edit videos and play console games, to give just a few examples.
Library facilities can be booked via the Varaamo service. Some facilities are free of charge, while others are subject to a fee. Up-to-date information about the size and technical equipment of the facilities and their price lists are available in the Varaamo online service(Link leads to external service) .
Library devices and equipment
Each library has computers, a photocopier, a printer and a scanner for customers to use. Some libraries also provide workshop equipment such as sewing machines, overlock machines, 3D printers, vinyl cutters and large format printers. You can easily reserve workshop equipment in the Varaamo online service(Link leads to external service) .
A varied collection of tools and objects are available for loan from libraries. The collection includes items such as games, musical instruments, tools, measuring devices and exercise equipment. You can browse the range of objects available for loan from libraries in the Helmet web library(Link leads to external service) .
Hold an open event at the library
The library welcomes event organisers large and small. You can use library facilities to hold literary, cultural and musical events, as well as discussions, lectures or workshops on a variety of topics. You can hold events that are open to everyone for no cost at all, i.e. events that have no admission fee. Holding an event that is considered a public event at a library always requires a permit from the library for the use of the premises.
Each library is unique and offers different facilities and opportunities. Feel free to contact the library where you would like to hold open activities directly. Contact details for libraries can be found in the Helmet web library(Link leads to external service) .
Hold a private event at the library
Libraries can also be used to host private events, such as closed seminars, parties or film shoots. The larger spaces available for reservation in libraries are particularly suitable for events like these. If you wish to hold a closed event at the library, there is a charge for using the facilities. For more information on event spaces for rent, please visit the Varaamo online service(Link leads to external service) .
It is also possible to rent library premises outside opening hours, when the library's open spaces are also available. Please contact the library whose premises you would like to rent directly. Contact details for libraries can be found in the Helmet web library(Link leads to external service) .
Central Library Oodi
Helsinki Central Library Oodi is a lively meeting place at Kansalaistori Square, right in the heart of the city. Oodi offers many opportunities for cooperation and events. You are welcome to work, meet, play games and instruments and hold a variety of events at Oodi!
Would you like to host an event open to all? Oodi features accessible event facilities with various technologies suitable for a wide variety of events. Arranging an event considered a public gathering at Oodi always requires permission from Oodi for the use of the facilities. More information can be found on the Oodi website(Link leads to external service) .
Would you like to host a private event? Oodi can be used to host a wide range of events, from meetings to seminars and from press conferences to dinners. To date, thousands of events of all sizes have been hosted at Oodi. Our professional staff will help you organise a successful event. More information can be found on the Oodi website.(Link leads to external service)