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AROUND THE WORLD

2023 October 9, 10

Level: High

Oodi

By Linda Ludwig

A great library for a nation of booklovers and so much more

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  Where can you enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat, see a film, attend a conference or read a book all in the same building? At Helsinki Central Library Oodi! But Oodi is about so much more than books.

  Located in the heart of Helsinki, Oodi is a masterpiece of architecture that has become a symbol of the country's loyalty to education, learning and innovation. Since its opening in December 2018, it has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

  The name “Oodi” comes from the Finnish word “ode,” which means an ode or a tribute. It is designed to be a welcoming and inclusive space that encourages learning and community engagement with spaces for both quiet and noisy activities.

  With its glass and steel structures and wooden façade, the design, which combines both traditional and modern styles, was selected through a competition. The library is a beautiful example of modern Scandinavian design using sustainable materials. The library has several unique features that make it stand out from other libraries around the world. One of the most notable features is the glass-walled rooms that give visitors a panoramic view of the city.