Central Library Oodi will turn seven years old on Friday 5 December 2025, and will celebrate its birthday and Finland’s Independence Day with a two-day event that marks a return to the tradition of the inaugural year. Oodi intends to continue the two-day celebrations in years to come.
“Central Library Oodi was a gift to Finland for the one-hundred-year jubilee of its independence, and the opening of Oodi was celebrated on Independence Day 2018. This year, we are returning to the opening year celebrations, with separate days for adults and children. I am particularly pleased that we can bring joy to children on Finland’s Independence Day,” says Director of Oodi Anna-Maria Soininvaara.
Oodi’s book fest delves into current themes
Oodi book fest will be held on the eve of Independence Day on 5 December. The event will bring together literary, poetic and musical artists. The evening will dive into topical social issues through discussions, presentations and workshops.
Literature’s leading names will meet the public on the Saarikoski rug in Oodi. Actor Seela Sella will be the guest of Author Elina Hirvonen’s book club on the poetry of Eeva Kilpi. Antti Salminen, Riina Tanskanen and Tuukka Tuomasjukka will discuss the relationship between literature and capitalism. Susanna Hast, Koko Hubara and Olga Palo will discuss the social impact of motherhood, or ‘mothering’.
Kino Regina will honour the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen with a debate featuring Austen specialists Kersti Juva, Maria Lyytinen and Anna Möttölä.
In Maijansali in Oodi, you can vent your emotions in a shouting poetry workshop led by Eero Heinonen. The programme will feature an interview with and solo performance by Author and Musician Tommi Liimatta, and the evening will culminate in a gig by Teosto Prize winner DJ Kridlokk.
Moomintroll and Skidit Disko bring joy to Oodi’s kid fest
On Independence Day, 6 December, Oodi will be filled with joy and wonder as the whole building is transformed into a children’s party. Independence Day traditions are often adult-oriented, but Oodi wants to offer children and families a way to honour the important celebration by enjoying culture and spending time together.
Visitors can make their own mini-book or comic book, craft glittery wings and take a festive portrait of themselves at Oodi’s workshops. The Fanni emotional skills workshop will offer a tangible way to practise emotional skills.
Musical experiences will include concerts by young music students and narrative music sessions at Playground Loru. Circus Helsinki will be responsible for the circus performance.
In Maijansali, you will have the chance to move around and tackle the obstacle course. The party will be crowned by Skidit Disko and a visit from Moomintroll.
Outside Oodi, visitors will have a unique opportunity to explore four mobile libraries, as the Helsinki mobile libraries Skidi and Stoori, the Espoo mobile library Välkky and the Vantaa mobile library Mysse will be parked at Kansalaistori Square. Helsinki’s Scouts are also presenting their activities outdoors.
The Oodi author of the year award will be handed out at the Kid fest. The award is granted for significant work for Finnish literature. The works of the selected author can be seen and heard in various way at Oodi throughout 2026.
Celebrating together at Oodi
Oodi welcomes all residents to celebrate its seventh birthday and Finland’s independence together. The entire building will be pulsating with culture, ideas and community – the very things that Oodi was built on. The festive programme has been put together in cooperation with partners.
“It’s great that at Oodi, Independence Day means experiences and spending time together. The Independence Day celebration for children and families focuses our attention on what matters most – the future,” says Director of Oodi Anna-Maria Soininvaara.
Photo: Kuvio