Myllypuro’s completely renovated library has been opened
The library is now three times larger than before, as the library was extended to the former community centre located next door. The library features a renewed children’s section, more space for fiction and versatile services for use by residents.
The library, located at the shopping centre Myllypuron Ostari, has undergone a complete transformation. The library was previously located in a small corner space, but it has now been expanded to the adjacent community centre. The entire library has been renovated and now the total area is 450 m2, which is three times more than before.
The renovated library hosts a significantly wider selection of fiction, literature for young people, magazines and non-fiction books. Residents wished that the children’s section would be improved, and the new children’s section occupies the entire area of the former library, about one-third of the library’s premises.
Residents of Myllypuro have been using the new library actively from the very moment it was opened to the public.
“The library has been open since Monday of last week, and residents have used the library actively. Especially the children’s section is a great addition to the services of Myllypuro Library. It has been buzzing with children, ranging from babies to schoolchildren, the moment we opened the doors,” says Chief Librarian Anu Satukangas.
The library also offers good opportunities for working and recreational activities. There are customer computers, laptops for borrowing, a meeting room that can be booked and a music room for practicing singing and playing. The kitchen of the former community centre has been kept as part of the library. In the future, it will be available to those who have booked the meeting room. There are also plans to use the kitchen to organise activities together with the residents of the area.
“We are already planning cooking classes, activities for young people and baking gingerbread cookies with children at Christmas time. Although the library is still very compact, we have the opportunity to offer a wide range of services and joint activities to Myllypuro residents. We want our library to become Myllypuro residents’ own meeting place,” says Anu.
The library’s meeting room can be booked in the Varaamo service as of 1 November. In the future, the library premises can also be used independently in the mornings and evenings outside the actual opening hours. The start of self-service will be notified separately.
Opening event of Myllypuro Library on 13 October
The opening event of the library will include programme for families with children, young people and the elderly. Chief Librarian Anu Satukangas and Deputy Mayor for Culture and Leisure Paavo Arhinmäki will speak at the event. In addition, the programme will include a poem by stage poet Juho Kuusi commissioned for the Myllypuro library, Maltti and Valtti, who are familiar from children’s TV shows, and an after-work party with a DJ in the evening.
The full programme for the opening week > (in Finnish)
Photo: Daniel Leiviskä / City of Helsinki