Finland’s Libraries: Sewing Machines, Digital Assistance, and a New Model for Public Infrastructure

Public libraries in Finland are gaining international attention for going beyond traditional book-lending services to offer broader societal functions. According to a BBC report published in June 2026, the Oodi Library in central Helsinki provides not only books but also sewing machines, tennis rackets, and swimming pool passes for loan. The library also assists citizens with online procedures such as taxes, pensions, and digital health records, and even offers help with crafting resumes. Highlighted by Solidot, this innovative model stands in stark contrast to the shrinking public library systems in other countries.

Redefining Public Spaces in Finland

Finland, with a population of about 5.6 million, boasts over 700 libraries. According to a government report, 55% of Finns visit a library at least once a month, with the average annual usage reaching 9.1 visits per person. In comparison, the average annual library visits per person are around 2.5 in the UK, 2.4 in the US, and 3.5 across the EU. Finland’s library usage is significantly higher.

One key factor behind this stark difference is Finland’s Library Act, which mandates public libraries to promote democracy, freedom of expression, and active citizenship. Similar policies are observed in other Nordic countries, where libraries serve as more than just repositories of knowledge—they act as foundations for civic participation and social inclusion.

Merging Item Lending with the Sharing Economy

The Oodi Library, named the world’s best new public library in 2019, exemplifies Finland’s pragmatic approach. In the country’s agricultural past, people often shared farming tools, a tradition that has evolved as urban residents now live in smaller homes where ownership of rarely used items like sewing machines may not be practical. By purchasing items with public funds and offering them for free loan, libraries enable efficient resource use.

Interestingly, the most borrowed resource from libraries is not books, but space. Libraries allow free reservations of meeting rooms, study areas, venues for political debates, and even music production studios. This “lending of space” provides urban residents with one of the few public areas where they can spend time without the pressure to consume, making libraries invaluable community hubs.

Promoting Inclusion Through Digital Support

Finnish librarians offer critical support for a variety of online procedures, ranging from taxes and bank account management to pensions and digital health records. They also help citizens craft resumes and apply for jobs, directly addressing the issue of the digital divide. With public services in Finland becoming increasingly digitized, libraries have become essential access points for older adults and those with lower levels of digital literacy.

Research on Finnish libraries concludes that they play a vital role as “highly inclusive public infrastructure.” In 2025, Finland allocated approximately €371 million to public libraries, equating to €65.78 per person. In contrast, the UK spends about £10 per person, and the US allocates $45, highlighting Finland’s remarkable level of investment in its library system.

Challenges Highlighted by Comparisons with

Western Countries While public libraries in Finland thrive, the UK and the US have faced ongoing closures, making it increasingly difficult to maintain services. In the UK, many libraries have been transferred to volunteer organizations, leading to a decline in professional librarians. In the US, the role of libraries has been questioned amidst the wave of digitalization, with some being converted into community centers. However, these efforts fall short of the comprehensive services offered by Finland.

Finland’s model illustrates how differences in public investment priorities and institutional frameworks can directly impact library usage and their effectiveness as social infrastructure. Finland not only invests more per capita but also legally mandates libraries to promote democracy and civic engagement, securing their unique role as more than just lending facilities.

Future Outlook

Finland’s example provides a compelling case for other developed countries to expand the functions of libraries and emphasize public investment. As digitalization progresses, the paradoxical increase in the value of physical spaces supporting online procedures highlights the intersection of technology policy and social policy. The item-sharing system, too, aligns with the principles of a circular economy.

However, replicating this model in other countries is no easy feat. Finland’s high tax burden and strong social trust are critical foundations for its success. Moreover, with the advancement of AI and automation, the roles of librarians may evolve, necessitating a reevaluation of future service designs.

Editorial Opinion

In the short term, Finland’s library model could inspire not only other Nordic countries but also nations like Canada and Germany, where trust in the public sector is relatively high. The demand for digital assistance has surged globally since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the redefinition of libraries as “hubs of digital inclusion” is likely to gain momentum. The cost-effectiveness of item-lending services will need to be thoroughly evaluated, particularly regarding their impact on municipal budgets.

From a long-term perspective, Finland’s model could serve as a tipping point for reassessing the value of public spaces. The role of libraries as “third spaces” free from commercial pressure is crucial in addressing urban loneliness and social isolation. Even as AI agents and online government services become more prevalent, the importance of face-to-face human support cannot be entirely replaced.

As an editorial team, we believe Japanese public libraries should also explore adopting item-lending and digital support services. Japan’s library usage rates are lower compared to Finland, and the difficulties older adults face with digital procedures have been widely noted. By revising library laws and reallocating municipal budgets, Japan could create its version of Finland’s model, leveraging libraries as community hubs for both physical and digital resources.

References

• BBC Future: The weird and wonderful libraries of Finland — Published June 18, 2026
• Solidot: 芬兰図书馆提供缝纫機借用服务 — Published June 21, 2026