Updated November 2025
Oodi, Helsinki’s Central Library, opened its doors on 5 December 2018, right before Finnish Independence Day, and it’s been a game-changer ever since. In just five years, it’s become more than just a library—it’s a cultural hotspot, a hub for literary events, and a must-see destination for anyone visiting Helsinki or exploring the best of Finland.
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Don’t miss the 2025 celebration at Oodi Library—80 years of Moomins marked with a fun DIY Moomin tote bag print station, perfect for all ages!
For full details, check out my latest blog post: A Must-Do in Helsinki for Moomin Fans: DIY tote bag at Oodi Library here!
Good news! You can print your own 3D key ring (OODI sign, emojis, Pac-Man, Toad–Mario Bros, Sonic, etc.) for only €1.50 each, and it takes no longer than 30 minutes* if the printer is available.
Why is the beloved Oodi such a must-visit destination in Helsinki for both locals and tourists?
FOR LOCALS
Before diving into all the services Oodi offers, it’s important to understand that LIBRARIES PLAY A SIGNIFICAN ROLE IN FINNISH SOCIETY. There are libraries everywhere in Finland, and they provide excellent resources and services!
Here’s the thing about Oodi—it’s designed to be everyone’s space. Locals come here to read, work, create, or just hang out. But Oodi takes it a step further, offering an impressive range of public services: books in over 20 languages, workspaces, a cinema, music studios, a kitchen, photography studios, 3D printers, sewing machines, playgrounds, cafés, a theater, and more.
Services and Facilities available at Oodi
Multi-Purpose Event Spaces
- Maijansali (1st Floor): Perfect for lectures, workshops, and performances.
- Kino Regina (1st Floor): Ideal for film screenings, lectures, and events.
- Kuutio (2nd Floor): A glass-walled space for meetings and training sessions.
- Aura (2nd Floor): Equipped with audio and video technology for seminars and workshops.
Creative and Culinary Spaces
- Urban Workshop (2nd Floor):
- Photo printers,
- Laser cutter
- 3D printers
- Traditional crafting tools like sewing machines
- Kitchen (2nd Floor): A small-group kitchen for cooking together- the only service we need to pay for booking it!
Work and Study Areas
- Group Rooms (2nd Floor): 10 rooms, accommodating 4–16 people.
- Workspaces (2nd Floor): Six small rooms for 1–6 people.
- Reading Room (2nd Floor): A quiet space for reading and focused work.
- Seating Steps (2nd Floor): Casual area for independent or small group work.
- Work Desks (2nd & 3rd Floors): Equipped with power sockets and adjustable heights for ergonomic comfort.
Entertainment and Recreation
- Game Rooms (2nd Floor): Three console gaming rooms, reservable with a Helmet library card.
- Studios (2nd Floor): Music studios, a recording studio, and spaces for photography and video production.
Outdoor and Family-Friendly Spaces
- Citizen’s Balcony (3rd Floor): A summer-season terrace with views of Töölönlahti Bay.
- Saarikoski Rug (3rd Floor): Event space for literature events aimed at adults.
- Children’s Area (3rd Floor):A relaxing space for children to enjoy stories.
- Children’s Story Room (3rd Floor): A magical, nest-like room hidden behind a secret door.
Now if you ask me: do you really use all the services?
Not all of them! Not yet! But people do! And lately I have done some of the activities in the workshops!
What Do I Love About Oodi?
The Location and all the services they have! Oodi is perfectly situated in the heart of Helsinki, making it easily accessible whether you’re a local or a visitor.
What About My Kids?
The video game rooms and the indoor playground are fantastic! My kids love spending time in the spacious area where they can slide for hours and make friends from all over the world. It’s also a great place for adults, not just locals, to connect and unwind.
What Are the Services I Use the Most?
- I frequently use the WC facilities, the comfortable spots to rest and enjoy snacks.
- I can refill my bottle of water.
- There is selection of Spanish books and it is ideal to find new books to read for my kids.
- The indoor playground is a HIT- you might think is not even a playground but kids manage to have fun there!
- Lately, the video game rooms have become a favorite. We often book them for two hours so my sons can play Mario Kart.
- Oodi is also an excellent meeting point and, during the winter, a cozy place to wait for your next bus or train!
FOR TOURISTS
Now that you have a general idea of what Oodi looks like and the services it offers, it’s no wonder that this place is a top attraction for tourists as well!
Your First Stop: The Living Room of Helsinki
As a visitor, you might want to start with the basics: the third floor, known as Book Heaven. This Instagrammable space features floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the area with natural light, rows upon rows of books in every language imaginable, and cozy reading spots with views of Töölönlahti Bay. It’s quiet, but not in a “don’t-breathe-too-loud” kind of way. It’s more like a gentle hum of activity, where everyone is doing their own thing, yet somehow, we’re all connected.
The first surprise? The number of strollers parked here! Locals feeding babies, toddlers playing—it’s a lively scene.
It’s a library, but you can eat here! During the summer, there’s even a terrace with nice views- The Citizens Balcony!
The second floor!
Prepare to be amazed by the spaces Oodi offers for locals: sewing machines, 3D printers, video game rooms, a kitchen, photo studio, music studio, computers, meeting rooms, study rooms, and more! (I’ve shared the full list previously, and to be honest, I might have missed a few!)
- You can print your own 3D key ring (OODI sign, emojis, Pac-Man, Toad–Mario Bros, Sonic, etc.) for only €1.50 each, and it takes no longer than 30 minutes* if the printer is available. Check here the video Print your own 3D keyring at OODI for only 1.5€
- DO NOT MISS the Moomin Tote Bag DIY- A Family-Friendly Activity at Oodi
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If you’re visiting Helsinki with kids this summer, the DIY Moomin tote bag print station at Oodi Library is a perfect hands-on activity for families, friends and individuals. It’s fun, creative, and a wonderful way for kids to enjoy quality time with their parents.
I’ve also written a full post all about the Moomin tote bag experience at Oodi — check it out for all the details!
For even more family-friendly ideas, be sure to explore my guide to the Best Things to Do in Helsinki & Espoo with Kids This Summer.
The gruond floor
Check out the chess floor! Come and play with locals and tourists alike.
Not into chess? Visit the Information Point for advice on where to go, or grab a guide to explore Oodi yourself. There’s also an EU stand where you can learn more about the European Union. During the summer, you can borrow basketballs, cricket sets, Mölkky, and more!
Oodi is also an excellent place for photography lovers and photo sessions. Remember, though, it’s a public space, so please be considerate of others while taking photos.
And don’t forget to stop by the cafeteria to taste authentic Finnish food!
