Vaasa City Library- Regional Library

Ilmari Lahdelma, Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects, Juha Mäki-JylliläFinland

The purpose of library and information services is to promote equal access to education, literature and art, and to constant development of knowledge, skills, and civic prowess, as well as to internationalism and life-long learning. The library will produce virtual and interactive web services as well as educational content in data networks.
Finland's first lending library Vaasan Lukukirjasto was founded 1794 in Vaasa, for "the amusement and pastime" of the members in Vaasan Luku-Seura.
In 1936 the library moved into its present location Kirjastonkatu 13, the first premises in its history that were purpose-built for the library.

Authority and authority type

Vaasan kaupunki

Title of library in local language

Vaasan kaupunginkirjasto -maakuntakirjasto

Year of completion

2001

Address

Kirjastonkatu 13, 65100 Vaasa

Size of library:

5245m²

Category of library

Public Library

More info on the building

https://www.vaasa.fi/kirjasto

Architectural idea or principle

The new library building reflects the internal landscape of knowledge. The different bridges combine - symbolically and concretely - old and new, humanities and sciences, as well as the various subject areas. In Vaasa, we have had the chance to combine a unique history of Finnish library services with futuristic visions of libraries. The new library building will be a dynamic bridge between old and new. New media and materials, future electronic operations, will find their place in the library complementing its traditional mode of activities. Nevertheless, the essence and idea of library services will remain ageless.