This is a fabulous example of how a nation values its libraries! Helsinki in Finland, home to 650 000 people, boasts 36 public libraries. This article shares some fascinating facts, including first and foremost, that Finland is the most literate nation in the world. With 853 public libraries nationwide, they are leading the way in offering invaluable library access to their people. One of the first things asylum seekers receive when arriving in Finland is a library card! Finns love their libraries. Online services are increasing by 40% a year, and what is even more interesting is that no new librarians were hired for the opening of this library, with 50 librarians sourced from existing libraries…..and ROBOTS support these librarians by sorting and returning books! Have a read, it’s quite fascinating. Is this the face of public libraries of the future?

Oodi Library, Helsinki
Image courtesy of Tuomas Uusheimo