The libraries of Helsinki had a total of 9.2 million visitors over the course of the year. The libraries of Jätkäsaari and Pasila, both areas with a growing population, as well as the Skidi and Stoori mobile libraries, were among the libraries that increased their number of visitors. The mobile libraries visit schools and daycare centres in the morning and residential areas without a local library in the evening.
The total number of loans was 5.9 million, which is four per cent more than in the previous year. Oodi, Helsinki’s biggest lending library, set its own record with over 575,000 loans. In Helsinki City Library as a whole, growth was particularly strong in loans of children’s and young people’s literature, which increased by eight per cent from the previous year.
Children and young people also stood out positively as borrowers. The number of borrowers aged 10–14 increased by 5.4 per cent and the number of borrowers aged 15–19 increased by 6.5 per cent compared to 2024.
“It feels great to know that our growth comes from children and young people. We put a lot of effort into making the library a place for every child and young person in Helsinki, and now the statistics show that our work is bearing fruit,” says Director of Library Services Katri Vänttinen from the City of Helsinki.
Focus on children, young people and overhauled libraries
In 2025, the City Library’s cooperation with schools in Helsinki was extended to include arranging a dedicated library visit related to environmental education and multiliteracy for fifth-graders. This means that the library will reach an entire age group four times: in first, third, fifth and seventh grade. Through these visits, children in Helsinki, regardless of their background, become familiar with borrowing books and with the library as a place for spending their leisure time.
The library’s cooperation with upper secondary education institutions was significantly increased in 2025, and work with students will continue at a high level. In 2026, the library will also focus on improving the reading culture and inclusion of newly arrived immigrant children and young people by cooperating with preparatory education for basic education (VALO) classes.
Helsinki will continue to invest in its library facilities this year. Pukinmäki and Pitäjänmäki Libraries will move to temporary premises to await new library facilities. The planning of the renovation of Rikhardinkatu Library is progressing, while Vallila Library will be renovated this summer. Efforts will also be made to continue expanding self-service access at the City’s libraries. At the moment, self-service access outside the opening hours is available at eight libraries in Helsinki.
“We are developing our libraries with determination to ensure that they meet the changing needs of Helsinki residents. Overhauled facilities, high-quality services and a strong focus on children and young people will ensure that the library will continue to serve as a low-threshold meeting place, a promoter of reading and a provider of support for a good life in the city,” Vänttinen concludes.
