Saturday, 28 March 2020

Helsinki Central Library Oodi


I have debated whether it is appropriate to post my regular travel posts at this time, however, I have decided to go ahead only because I think it is good for mental health to keep doing as much as 'normal'. Please don't think I'm dismissing the enormity of what is going on, I'm just looking after me and hopefully giving others some pretty pictures or something of interest to distract their thoughts while stuck at home. For someone who when I wasn't travelling would be at theatre, bars, restaurants and concerts, I am devastated for the millions of Australians who have lost their jobs in those industries, and now we are seeing retail follow suit, with in my opinion a lack of adequate Government support, when you look at what is being offered in other countries.
Stay home to knock this over as quickly as possible, but do what you need to do to keep your head above water. Take care everyone!



When visiting the gorgeous Helsinki, it is worth making some time to stop by the now famous Oodi. The new central library won the global award for Best Public Library in 2019, beating our own beautiful Green Square Library.













Plenty of natural light and even trees and plants for wellbeing








A stunning architectural design encourages people to make use of it's warm and inviting spaces. It is a place for people. There are restaurants, work spaces and lounges for reading and games. You can hire sewing machines and air quality sensors, use the 3D printers and a myriad of other items for creative enterprise.





It offers a space for engagement in Finland's role in the EU and also one for the development of Helsinki. Community engagement is encouraged in this central meeting place. Everything about the Oodi is inclusive and practical, as well as beautiful and artistic.

















Currently closed until further notice however the website and Instagram are worth checking out.

















Practicalities:
Oodi Helsinki https://www.oodihelsinki.fi/en/what-is-oodi/














Further Reading:
Rovaneimi Finland
Kakslauttanen Resort
Share My Snaps! Finland.

Linking with #CulturedKids

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20 comments:

  1. swami ratnamurti saraswati29 March 2020 at 01:51

    What a beautiful building. I'm glad you're still posting, because this is interesting with lovely photography. Go well and take care.

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  2. Fun6030 March 2020 at 18:56

    I enjoyed my visit to Helsinki a couple of years ago but I missed seeing inside this building. Thanks for the tour.

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  3. Elkes Lebensglück31 March 2020 at 11:20

    An imposing building, you have taken great photos of it
    take care of yourself and stay healthy!
    Greetings Elke

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  4. RobertN31 March 2020 at 22:02

    Beautiful place.
    Best regards!

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  5. riitta k31 March 2020 at 23:45

    Oodi is fantastic - and it has become so popular! Oodi has increased library loans for about 40 % in Helsinki. Closed contemporarily, but there it is waiting for better times.

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    Replies
    1. Lydia C. Lee1 April 2020 at 12:51

      We spent about an hour in there, exploring everything - then grabbing a coffee downstairs. I just loved it. I liked the coffee shop in the loans area upstairs too. So you could read over a drink.

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  6. Keith's Ramblings1 April 2020 at 04:12

    If only I had a library like that near me! Amazing.

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  7. Veronica Lee1 April 2020 at 06:48

    Wish we had a library like this in my corner of the world. Love the photos.

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  8. Carol @Comfort Spring Station1 April 2020 at 10:23

    a beautiful modern design - keep on with your travel posts as long as you can - we all need that

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  9. Pieni Lintu2 April 2020 at 00:51

    Beautiful!

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  10. Pisi Prkl2 April 2020 at 04:19

    On my to do list, beautiful architecture!

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  11. betty-NZ2 April 2020 at 16:37

    What a wonderful place! I'm glad you shared these fabulous images of the unique library :)

    Your link is a great addition to 'My Corner of the World' this week! Thanks for linking up!

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  12. Melbourne Australia Photos5 April 2020 at 05:37

    Amazing library! I'll put it on my wish list of places to travel to (when the world gets back to normal). We visited Helsinki quite a few years ago, but this library hadn't been built then.
    Thank you for taking part in the "My Sunday Best" meme.

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  13. Jeanna5 April 2020 at 13:14

    Gorgeous staircase shots, Lydia. The last one is mind bending like an Esher print.

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  14. loopyloulaura5 April 2020 at 13:48

    I think it is great that you are still sharing your love of the world with us. I don't travel abroad due to a fear of flying so love to see the beautiful places I will never visit. Thanks for linking up with #globalblogging

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  15. Handmade in Israel9 April 2020 at 00:50

    I love the staircase shots! Such an interesting building. I also think it is important to keep posting. We can plan for future day trips and holidays. #WanderfulWednesday

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  16. Cynthia13 April 2020 at 06:03

    What a stunning library!! I have always been proud of the one we have in downtown Seattle, but this one honestly takes the cake with so much gorgeous natural light, the minimalistic design and I LOVE that you can rent a sewing machine! I'd be there all the time ;)

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  17. Keri | Ladies What Travel21 April 2020 at 04:10

    We didn't make it here when we visited (a day trip) but this looks like an ace library. #CulturedKids

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  18. Zenbabytravel4 May 2020 at 13:39

    Gorgeous architecture Lydia and brilliant #CulturedKids inspiration ! And yes I also questioned if it's still right to rave about enchanted foreign lands given the current restrictions and agree we all need to revisit mentally dear places and look at art and culture more than ever to keep our heads above the water! And like everything in this life, those Covid 19 strange and mad times shall pass too! Hope you are keeping well and safe! x

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  19. Christie-So what? Now what?24 October 2025 at 14:28

    What a beautiful building! Thanks for sharing it with us, Lydia. I agree that enjoying beauty, travel, and anything else that sustains our joy and gratitude during difficult times is a worthy endeavor.

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