Helsinki International Public Library

Public libraries are places of learning and sharing. They can function as symbols of inclusion and new opportunities and serve as true meeting places for everyone. Inspired by Central Library Oodi, we suggest a new library for Helsinki. Helsinki International Public Library ('HIP Library') would be a library with an extensive collection of books, newspapers, films and other material in all languages spoken in Helsinki. It would be situated in the centre in a beautiful, perhaps an old building. It could host a great café–restaurant, maybe even an international book store. Investment would be needed as the library should not be just an 'add-on' to an existing library / cultural centre but a new place in a new context, designed to inspire the future of Helsinki. Also, the collection should not be created only with currently existing books from local libraries (as they will still be very much needed there). Ideally, the collection would be co-created with experts and users of the library.