Time at sea can be a great chance to open a new novel and an onshore visit to Helsinki offers excellent opportunities for all literature lovers to get inspired by the libraries and the literary culture of Helsinki. The love for reading reflects strongly in the city’s everyday life, and it can be seen through events, bookstores and public libraries around Helsinki.
Libraries to visit
Oodi is a library of a new era that offers a place for learning, story immersion, work and relaxation. Besides library services, Oodi has a wide range of events, urban workshops and equipment booking. It is like a living room for locals, offering versatile facilities such as Kino Regina, studios, a children’s story room and even a kitchen for cooking classes. Therefore, visiting Oodi is a great chance to see what the locals like to do for hobbies. Designed by ALA Architects, the energy-efficient library is a combination of traditional and contemporary styles and an impressive calling card for Finnish architecture.
Rikhardinkatu Library was designed by architect Theodor Höijer in 1881, and it was the first building to be designed as a public library in the Nordic Countries. Today the library provides vast collections and plenty of peaceful space for reading, studying and working. A specialty of Rikhardinkatu Library is its unique artist’s book collection featuring more than 500 works. The library holds plenty of diverse events and exhibitions throughout the year. During summers, the courtyard turns into a colourful venue for events and hanging out. The children’s section has literature in many languages, a playroom and all kinds of activities for families with children.
More information about Oodi can be found at Oodi – MyHelsinki and Rikhardinkatu Library at Rikhardinkatu Library – MyHelsinki.
Academic Bookstore
Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1969, this commercial building offers a great shopping experience for all book lovers who are looking for something new to read or souvenirs to bring home. The Academic Bookstore has a wide selection of books from different genres, office and stationery supplies, as well as other products with a natural connection to bookstores. Academic Bookstore also hosts different kinds of literature events on site, such as author interviews and themed events for children and adults. There are two cafes on the premises, Cafe Aalto on the 2nd floor and a Starbucks café on the ground floor.
More information about Academic bookstore can be found on Akateeminen Kirjakauppa -website.
Helsinki Noir – The dark side of Helsinki
Helsinki Noir is a new annual international literature festival in Helsinki for friends of crime literature. Taking place in various locations in Helsinki, the festival offers a wide range of events from book clubs and movie screenings to tours that dive deep into dark themes and Helsinki’s criminal history. The festival concludes at Aleksanteri Theatre on February 27–28, when some of the most exciting crime, police procedural, and true crime authors come on stage, discussing themes such as evil, international crime, pivotal human choices, police work, and crime solving.
Helsinki Noir is held between 23.2.-1.3.2026. More information and schedule can be found at Helsinki Noir-website.
Photo: Marjaana Malkamäki.
Text: Anna Lahti.
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