Helsinki is home to a remarkable new library concept that’s proving to be hugely popular. The Oodi Library is more than a repository for books — it’s an alternative working and learning space. While visitors can work or relax in the building’s third floor Book Heaven, where they have access to over 100,000 books and magazines in over 20 languages, there are also consoles and board games, making the space like a giant community living room. On the second floor is the Urban Workshop, a space with sewing machines, traditional craft equipment, 3D and photo printers, music studios, video editing, and an electronics workshop, where everything can be used for free. All of these resources are operated by the city and are available across multiple libraries in Helsinki.
