The new location of the library and youth centre will make the services more accessible and improve their availability among new user groups. The more central location is expected to boost visitor numbers, as the premises are located along the shopping and access routes of residents. In addition to the S-market store, the commercial building also houses a pharmacy and a fitness centre.
New premises make room for new services
The new temporary premises will offer significant improvements over the existing library and youth centre facilities.
"The library will have a separate event space and will also feature workshop equipment. The new premises will also make it possible to set up a self-service library. This will extend the library's opening hours," says Marjo Perälä, Chief Librarian of Pukinmäki Library.
The library's collection will be slightly reduced due to the new facilities solutions, but the collection will have an emphasis on material for children and young people. In addition to this, customers will still have access to the entire Helmet libraries' collection of three million titles, from which they can reserve the material they want directly at Pukinmäki Library.
"The youth facilities will be modern and accessible, and they will allow for new kind of versatile youth work. Among other things, the youth facilities will include an activity room where events and sports activities can be organised in the future. Young people are already looking forward to the new facilities," says Head of Unit Minna Sirviö from Youth Services.
The current library and youth centre facilities in Pukinmäki have reached the end of their life cycle, and alternative facilities have been scarce in the area. The library will move out of its current premises due to the renovation of Pukinmäenkaari Comprehensive School. A new block of flats is planned for the current site of the Pukinmäki Youth Centre, and the existing building will be demolished.
Involving residents in the planning
Local residents, especially children and young people, will be able to provide their views on the planning of the facilities. Young people have already had a lot of ideas about the content and look of the facilities. Many have asked for murals, for example.
Library and youth services will have their own facilities, but they will also benefit from mutual cooperation. The premises of the Youth Centre can also be made available to other users through the Varaamo service.
Although the premises are located on the fourth floor, accessibility will be improved as lifts will be available. Lighting is given special attention in the interior design to ensure comfort.
Activities to be launched in phases
Youth work will start gradually in the new premises. The aim is to start group activities as soon as possible after the move. Later, other activities will also be launched more widely.
The aim is to open the library in March–April 2027, possibly before the premises are fully completed. Library services will be suspended during the move. During this time, a mobile library will serve the area once a week, and customers can visit the nearest libraries in Malmi and Oulunkylä.
The opening schedule will be finalised and announced as soon as possible.