Share your opinion and influence the exterior look of Helsinki’s libraries

The exterior look of Helsinki’s libraries is being updated. The update focuses primarily on outdoor signage, the purpose of which is to help people find and identify libraries and entice them to use the services offered by libraries.
 Exterior of the Pasila library.
Pasila Library. Photo: Kuvatoimisto Kuvio


The aim of the update is to make the outdoor signage of libraries clear, recognisable and accessible and to strengthen the role of libraries as an important meeting place for the residents of city districts.

“At best, we can lower people’s threshold to visit libraries and strengthen their feeling of having arrived in the right place,” says Director of Regional Library Services Saara Ihamäki.

Helsinki City Library operates 37 individual libraries, all of which are unique and some of which are housed in historically notable buildings. This will be taken into account throughout the design process. Other important considerations include implementation in three languages (Finnish, Swedish and English) and language-independent visual communication. 

The signage will be updated one library at a time starting in 2024. Local libraries with outdated signage no longer in line with the City’s visual identity will be the first to be updated. 

The new signage is being designed by design company Kuudes. 

Share your opinion by 26 November

The designs for the signage are now available for viewing and commenting in the Kerro kantasi service.

What do you think is good about the designs, and what still needs to be developed? Please share your opinion by 26 November. When you do, you can also enter a prize draw for a chance to win some Helsinki products.

Go to Kerro kantasi service(Link leads to external service)