Helsinki Central Library Oodi is a free public library and community space at Töölönlahdenkatu 4, close to the central railway station and opposite the Finnish Parliament. ALA Architects designed the building, which opened in 2018, with a sweeping timber façade and bright, open interiors. Browse the books, settle in to read or work, or explore the creative facilities, including gaming rooms, sewing machines, 3D printers and recording studios. Head to the third-floor terrace for views of Finlandia Hall, Kiasma and other central landmarks.
A library designed for public life
Oodi opened in December 2018 as Helsinki’s central library and a public meeting place. It stands on Töölönlahdenkatu, opposite the Finnish Parliament and a short walk from the central railway station. Entry is free, including for visitors who do not have a library card.
The building was designed by Finnish architecture firm ALA Architects. Glass and steel meet a broad wooden façade, whose curved shape gives Oodi a distinct outline among the civic buildings around Kansalaistori square. Inside, open areas and natural light make room for reading, working, meeting and taking part in creative activities.
Books, workspaces and creative facilities
Books are only part of what you can do here. Oodi has study and work areas, meeting rooms, gaming rooms and spaces for music and other creative work. Facilities include recording studios, sewing machines, maker stations and 3D printers. The library also lends items beyond books, including tools, as part of its lending service.
You can browse the collection or take a book to a reading area. Other spaces are set up for visitors who want to work or spend time with friends. The first floor has modern equipment and creative facilities; explore the different levels to find the areas that suit your visit.
Family spaces and the upper terrace
Families can make time for the children’s areas, which include places to read and play. The third floor has a children’s section, and winter programming has included interactive storytelling, family days, storytime and concerts. Activities and spaces can change, so check Oodi’s own information if you are planning around a particular event.
The third-floor terrace looks out over central Helsinki, including Finlandia Hall, the Parliament and Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art. It is a useful stop between the library’s indoor spaces and nearby cultural sights.
Planning your visit
Oodi is a practical stop near Helsinki’s central railway station, whether you want to see the architecture, take a break with a book or explore the facilities. Weekday afternoons can be busy, so a weekday morning is a calmer time to look around. Some equipment and rooms may require advance arrangements; check the library’s website before planning to use a specific service.
The library is open every day, with earlier opening on weekdays than at weekends. Current hours and information about services are available on Oodi’s website.
FAQ
Is Helsinki Central Library Oodi free to enter?
Yes. Entry is free, including for visitors without a library card.
Where is Oodi in Helsinki?
Oodi is at Töölönlahdenkatu 4, opposite the Finnish Parliament and a short walk from the central railway station.
What can you do at Oodi besides borrow books?
You can use reading, study and work areas, visit gaming and children’s spaces, and explore creative facilities such as sewing machines, maker stations and recording studios.
How long should you spend at Oodi?
Allow about 1 to 2 hours to see the building, explore its facilities and visit the third-floor terrace.
What can you see from Oodi’s terrace?
The third-floor terrace has views of central landmarks including Finlandia Hall, the Finnish Parliament and Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art.
