Kalasatama Library was designed in collaboration with local residents, with over 800 people participating in library design workshops and surveys. Residents' views have been taken into consideration in the planning of both the operations and interior design of the library.
“Kalasatama Library is a small but important addition to the services of the growing Kalasatama area. We want to be part of the everyday lives of residents and promote reading to children and young people in particular. The library adds a quiet space that feeds the imagination and where everyone is welcome to the lively shopping centre environment. I look forward to the opening and seeing how local residents and shopping centre customers take to the library,” says Director of Kalasatama Library Erna Marttila.
In addition to offering familiar basic services, Kalasatama Library will be holding regular events, such as story times, gaming activities, film showings and book clubs. The library’s collection of children’s and youth literature is extensive in relation to its size. The small selection of books offered to adults is carefully curated and has a changing theme.
The opening day programme features cake, musical performances and a visit from Super Furball
Kalasatama Library’s opening day programme is full of fun activities. The opening of the library’s doors at 11:00 will be followed by a performance by the young cellists of Central Helsinki Music Institute and opening speeches by Deputy Mayor for Culture and Leisure Paavo Arhinmäki and Acting Director of Regional Library Services Lotta Muurinen. Cake will be served to the first 200 library visitors.
The part of the programme intended for younger family members will start at 14:00 with a performance by children’s musician Tuomo Rannankari, as seen on television. At 15:00, the library will welcome children's author Paula Noronen and Super Furball.
The opening day programme will end with a Youth Open Mic for stage poetry hosted by Marjuli Heliö and Natalia Karjalainen and featuring warm-up acts by young performers Sakari Bister and Anette Antila. The mic is open to all young people.