Lahti City Library’s anniversary year kicks off with a brilliant spring of events. Let’s celebrate together the culture of reading and knowledge – welcome to join our shared jubilee!
The theme for Lahti libraries’ spring 2026 events is Lahti City Library 150 years, highlighting the library’s spirit, impact, and ability to renew itself — qualities that support both society and individuals across generations.
The anniversary opening ceremony will take place on February 18 at the Main Library, and in the spirit of the library’s values, everyone is invited. The event will feature speeches and musical performances, as well as a toast to the library’s past and future. Speakers include Juha Manninen, Executive Director of the Finnish Library Association; Marju Markkanen, Chair of the Education Committee; and Mikko Mäkelä, Director of Education.
– It is truly special to celebrate the library’s 150-year journey together with our customers. We warmly welcome everyone to the opening ceremony to start this wonderful anniversary year with us, says Terhi Lehti, Service Manager responsible for library events.
– The story of Lahti Library has continued for more than a century, and now we are writing a new chapter together—one where lifelong learning, multiliteracy, and reading cultures belong to everyone, Lehti adds.
In honor of the anniversary, the library will also reach out more actively. This spring and summer, the library will pop up around the city to present its services — details will be announced later.
In February, journalist and nonfiction author Johanna Vehkoo will visit Nastola Library to discuss the pressing and timely topic of online disinformation in the age of AI. The talk can also be followed via a live viewing at the Main Library auditorium.
In March, on Library Day, the Main Library will host Finlandia Prize-winning author Anni Kytömäki, whose widely read, sensitive novels explore themes of nature conservation and historical diversity.
Music events in March include a session at the Main Library featuring singer-guitarist Jonne Järvelä and the story of Korpiklaani. Also in March, musician Samae Koskinen will visit Renkomäki Library to talk about his debut book. In April, the Main Library will welcome Ari Väntänen, a long-time music journalist and author of bestselling books on Hanoi Rocks, Apulanta, and Stam1na.
Children’s events will bring joy to spring as well. During Reading Week (April 20–26, 2026), we will celebrate the magical Fantasy Week for the first time, with events in every Lahti library throughout the week. The Main Library will also host popular BookTok-era fantasy author S.K. Rosted. Free movie screenings will continue at the Main Library, featuring a film followed by discussion. Baby Cinema sessions are designed for parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers, while Film Club offers movies for all audiences within age limits.
Book clubs will be held in every Lahti library this spring. At the Main Library, alongside the traditional book club, there will be a new Baby Year Book Club, especially for parents in the midst of baby life. Language Buddy sessions will also start at the Main Library, in addition to Nastola and Mukkula libraries. From February, a special group for mothers and children will meet at the Main Library. These relaxed evenings offer easy Finnish practice together: reading, writing, and speaking. Finnish speakers are also welcome as conversation partners!
Throughout the spring, the City Library offers a wide range of free events for everyone, including familiar recurring activities such as story times, craft and writing circles, and digital guidance. The spring event brochure Library Spring includes all events at the Main Library and branch libraries.
– The brochure is designed as a guide for library customers to help everyone find inspiration and joy this spring, says Nora Nordman, Library Service Coordinator responsible for Communications.
– Participation is easy and accessible, as library events are always free and open to all. We also follow safer space principles in all library premises and events, Nordman adds.
– This year, the brochure will also be available in digital format, making it convenient to read on your mobile device, Nordman continues.
Library events are accessible and inclusive. Some events will be streamed so they can be followed from home. Streamed events are marked with a special logo in the brochure for easy identification.
– Additionally, there will be remote viewing options that strengthen the unity of libraries, allowing an event held in one library to be watched from another, Nordman explains.
Additional information:
Lahti City Library, Service Manager, Terhi Lehti
Tel. +358 44 416 3239, terhi.lehti@lahti.fi
Lahti City Library, Library Service Coordinator, Communications, Nora Nordman
Tel. +358 44 416 4103, nora.nordman@lahti.fi
The spring event brochure can be picked up at libraries. You can also find Lahti Library’s spring events as a digital brochure.
(Cover photo: Author Anni Kytömäki. Photo: Liisa Valonen / Gummerus)