The Pikku Huopalahti Children's Library is located on the premises of the Pikku Huopalahti Primary School. Regulars at the small library, comprising a floor area of only 80 square metres, include schoolchildren and local daycare groups. The library, which was opened in 1997, was in desperate need of modernisation, and the renewal project was finally started in spring 2023.
“We planned the renewal with the design company Rune & Berg Design. The idea behind the design was that the space would be intended for children, it would contain surprising elements and the dimensions of the small but tall space would be utilised in a novel way. We wanted to hear what the children had to say, so we invited groups of school and daycare children to design workshops and also asked people for ideas and requests at the Pikku Huopalahti village party,” Director of Pikku Huopalahti library Sami Rainio says.
Shared wishes for soft lounge areas, round shapes and a gentle atmosphere were communicated in the workshops. These ideas have been integrated into the renewed library. The impressive reading balcony in blue and the little nests and reading nooks hidden in the same fixture along a variety of pillows and benches allow for utilising the space from the floor to the ceiling. The colourful, mobile bookshelves display books, films and games in an inspiring and attractive way. The space and the furniture have been designed in the correct scale for children, but they are also inspiring to adults.
Visitors embrace renewed library
The Pikku Huopalahti Children’s Library was reopened in early 2024. The opening hours of the library were extended slightly after the renovation of the premises. Currently, the Pikku Huopalahti Children’s Library is open at 9.00–15.00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and at 12.00–18.00 on Wednesdays. Primary school groups may also use the library outside the opening hours.
“We have received a staggering amount of positive feedback on the renewal from our customers. The children love the new reading nooks and the colourful interior. People have also shown their support: since the renewal, the number of visitors to the library has increased by approximately 40%,” Sami Rainio says with a smile.
The collection of the Pikku Huopalahti Children's Library is naturally focused on books, films and games for children and young people. However, customers of all ages are welcome at the library, and it does feature a small collection of materials for adults, bestsellers and reservation shelves, which you can order reading, listening and watching materials to from all Helsinki Metropolitan Area Libraries, i.e. Helmet libraries.
“Despite the small size of the library, we want to serve all local people as well as possible. We are open to suggestions and collaborations! The library could be used as a venue for a local book club or language café, for example,” Sami Rainio envisions.
