Kirjastot

"A book is like a garden that fits in your pocket."
(Arabian proverb)

There are libraries everywhere in Finland. With a library card you can borrow books, music cassettes, CDs, videos etc. You are entitled to a library card if you live in Finland and can provide proof of your identity. If you cannot find what you are looking for you can still order material from your local library that is available in other parts of the city, elsewhere in Finland, or even abroad. You can reserve time at libraries for the use of a computer.

At many libraries you can borrow books in a variety of languages. If your local library does not have books in your language, or there are few books, ask the staff for help. They will try to attain material either from a larger library or from the Multilingual Library (Monikielinen kirjasto).

The Multilingual Library (Monikielinen kirjasto) webpages contain information on Finland's library services in the following languages:

Finnish
Swedish
English
Albanian
Arabic
Spanish
Chinese
Croatian
Kurdish
Persian
French
German
Somali
Turkish
Russian
Plain language (Finnish)
Plain language (Swedish)
Plain language (English)

Books may also be borrowed from the mobile library. Ask about the mobile library routes and timetable for your local library.

Where to find a library near you (Select the first letter of your place of domicile)

Other libraries  (Muita kirjastoja)

Baltia Library

Baltia Library, maintained by the Tuglas Association, distributes information for those with an interest in the Baltic countries.