The best libraries in Helsinki – 10 cosiest places to unwind

It’s almost hard to remember a time when Oodi didn’t stand proudly on the edge of Kansalaistori Square. One of Helsinki’s most famous buildings, it’s visible even from the train or along Mannerheimintie. Opened in 2018, this library was literally a gift to the people – built to mark Finland’s 100th year of independence.

You can come to Oodi for a playdate, a coffee, a film at Kino Regina, a board game session or simply to take photos from the terrace, with views towards Parliament House, Töölönlahti Bay and Finlandia Hall. You could easily spend the whole day here.

Travellers will see real locals going about their everyday lives. It’s also one of the few places in the city centre where you can just sit and relax without spending a cent – a handy tip if you need somewhere to wait before your train.

Address: Töölönlahdenkatu 4

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 08:00–21:00, Sat–Sun 10:00–20:00

Shh! This isn’t a living room for locals but a culturally significant landmark with a few more rules than most. At the National Library, coats and large bags must be stored away, and eating is forbidden. Signs at the doors of the silent reading rooms firmly declare: “No tourists.”

Yet it’s absolutely a sight to see. Designed by Carl Ludwig Engel and completed in 1845 beside Senate Square, it attracts photographers from all over – especially to the grand Cupola Hall. Would you guess its architecture was inspired by ancient Roman baths? In the Rotunda, built in the early 1900s, all eyes go to the ornate skylight and open tiers lined with iron railings.

This is the place for lovers of dusty old books or anyone wanting to live out their academic fantasy for a while. It’s ideal when you need quiet for study or a break from the city noise. The basement UniCafe serves affordable lunches.

Address: Unioninkatu 36

Opening hours: Mon–Tue & Thu–Fri 09:00–18:00, Wed 09:00–20:00

Tucked away on a quiet side street near Esplanadi Park, Rikhardinkatu Library is one of Helsinki’s most beloved. Bring even a friend who doesn’t care for books – the building alone is worth the visit. In summer, the courtyard opens as Summer Yard, a popular hangout spot.

Completed in 1882, it was the first building in the Nordic countries designed specifically as a library. But did you know its most photographed feature was only added in the 1980s? The spiral staircase rising through the glass-walled “book tower” is a camera magnet.

Rikhardinkatu Library is known for its extensive art book collection and its exhibition spaces. In the basement is an art lending service, where anyone can rent artwork for their home for as little as €20 a month.

Address: Rikhardinkatu 3

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 08:00–20:00, Fri 08:00–18:00, Sat 10:00–16:00, Sun 12:00–18:00

Not everyone realises they can visit Helsinki University’s main library in Kaisa House. While much of its material is academic and the study areas are aimed at students, the public areas are open to everyone. It’s easy to reach, with the University of Helsinki metro station right underneath.

Opened in 2012, the building was a finalist for the Finlandia Prize for Architecture. Don’t miss its futuristic entrance, the elliptical skylight connecting the floors, the fan-shaped staircases and the window looking out onto Kaisaniemenkatu. There’s always a new angle to admire here.

Kaisa House is perfect for working or reading in peace. Surrounded by focused students, you’ll probably find yourself sitting a little straighter too.

Address: Fabianinkatu 30

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 08:00–20:00, Sat–Sun 11:00–17:00

Once you’ve seen the famous central libraries, don’t stop there. Töölö Library deserves far more hype. The building itself is a gem of 1960s modernist architecture, designed by Aarne Ervi – a contemporary and pupil of Alvar Aalto.

Its wall-sized windows open onto Topelius Park, and as you climb the stairs, don’t forget to look up: the circular “eye” skylight above the spiral staircase is stunning, especially against a blue sky (which, in Helsinki, isn’t always guaranteed).

The library’s most charming service is its reading dog, who visits on Wednesdays. Children learning to read, language students and anyone practising aloud can read to this patient canine listener. There are also cosy children’s spaces and a quiet reading room for study.

Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Sibelius Monument and a coffee and cinnamon bun at the red wooden cottage that houses Café Regatta.

Address: Topeliuksenkatu 6

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 08:00–20:00, Fri 08:00–18:00, Sat 10:00–16:00, Sun 12:00–18:00

Helsinki’s newest library opened in 2024 inside the Redi shopping centre in Kalasatama. Small and cheerful, it’s designed especially for children and young people – no surprise, given the area’s growing number of families. The candy-coloured play corner looks irresistible even to adults, and little ones can spend ages exploring all its fun details.

The adult selection is smaller here, but you can easily order books from other libraries. The most unusual thing you can borrow? A Korkeasaari Zoo season pass, valid for one to five people – it’s so popular it’s almost always checked out.

The library is just a short walk from Kalasatama metro station, perfect for popping in during a shopping trip or for a quiet break in the middle of your errands. Opposite the library is the Free City playroom, another great stop for families.

Address: Hermannin rantatie 5

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–20:00, Fri 09:00–18:00, Sat 10:00–16:00

Over a hundred years old, Kallio Library is Finland’s fourth-oldest library building and a true local landmark. Completed in 1912, the red-brick building stands proudly by Karhupuisto Park, keeping watch over the city’s bohemian quarter. Be sure to admire the elegant entrance hall and staircase.

One of the library’s most interesting services is the chance to borrow an electric cargo bike. The mix of visitors here reflects Kallio’s character: creative professionals, students, lifelong residents, young families and people from all walks of life.

The third floor’s “Vintti” and “Satulinna” areas are children’s territory. BabyKino film sessions bring together parents and babies to watch family-friendly films – no one minds if the little ones can’t keep quiet the whole time.

Address: Viides linja 11

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 08:00–20:00, Fri 08:00–18:00, Sat 10:00–16:00, Sun 12:00–18:00

Pasila Library, the main branch of the Helsinki City Library, offers an exceptionally wide range of materials. It’s also home to the Multilingual Library, with books in around 80 languages. Visitors can use a sewing machine or borrow all sorts of tools and equipment – from litter pickers to ukuleles.

The main entrance reminds you that you’re in one of Finland’s busiest transport hubs, right next to the country’s second-busiest railway station. A screen on the wall displays upcoming train departures. The library is easily reached by commuter train, tram or bus, just a five-minute walk from Pasila station and the Tripla shopping centre.

Pasila Library surprises visitors with its welcoming atmosphere. A fountain sits at the heart of the ground floor, and the high ceilings make the space feel airy and open. The children’s area is spacious too, with a colourful animal-themed mural on the wall.

Address: Kellosilta 9

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 08:00–20:00, Fri 08:00–18:00, Sat 10:00–16:00

Small but full of life, Maunula Library is a community hub for local residents. Under the same roof in the Maunula House building you’ll also find an adult education centre, a youth space and a café. The Metsäpurosali hall hosts author visits – sometimes by major Finnish names. The entrance through the S-market supermarket says it all: this is a library woven into everyday life, perfect for combining with a grocery run.

Architecture fans will find plenty to admire too. The wall-sized windows fill the space with light, and the wooden ceiling gives it a homely warmth. It’s no wonder the window seats are the most coveted spots. The library’s programme for children ranges from reading-dog sessions to drag-artist story hours.

Maunula Library may be off the typical tourist route, but it’s easy to reach by bus from the city centre or Pasila. Get off at the Maunulanmäki stop.

Address: Metsäpurontie 4

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–20:00, Fri 09:00–16:00, Sat 10:00–16:00

Technically in Espoo, Lippulaiva Library is well worth the trip. Since opening in 2022, it’s become a hit with families – and it’s easy to see why. The mood is lively and social, with space for chatter and play, though there’s also a quiet area for those seeking peace.

The library is full of inviting nooks for reading or working – it’s hard not to start daydreaming about a nap just looking at them. The children’s play area has clearly been designed with care, and the whole space feels warm and homely. There’s even a gaming room for teens.

You’ll find the library on the third floor of the Lippulaiva shopping centre. From central Helsinki, it’s an easy half-hour metro ride, with Espoonlahti station conveniently located right beneath the building.

Address: Espoonlahdenkatu 8, Espoo

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 08:00–20:00, Sat–Sun 10:00–18:00