The Lahti Main Library is being renewed – take part and make an impact!
The planning of the renovation of the Lahti Main Library is underway. The renovation is scheduled to be completed in 2030. We would love to hear your thoughts about the Main Library and to invite both current customers and new library users to share their ideas and dream about the future library. Share your thoughts now and help us in creating the future library!
The customer survey is open until the end of August.
You can find the customer survey here (the link opens in a new window). Paper versions of the survey are also available at all Lahti libraries. The survey can be answered in Finnish or English.
In reservation pickup notifications sent by Lastu Libraries, the sender’s name of the text message will appear as “Lahti” instead of a phone number.
The change only affects the sender’s name. Unfortunately, the sender name “Lastu” could not be used due to security policies. The content of the message remains the same, and it will still clearly state where the reservation can be collected.
This change is part of a nationwide reform aimed at improving the security of text messages and making scam messages easier to identify.
Ahtiala Library will move to new premises during the summer. The library currently operating at Alasenkatu 2 will be open to customers until Friday 22 May from 10 am to 5 pm, after which the library will be closed for the duration of the move. Self-service hours will not be available on Friday evening or during the weekend. The library will be closed from 23 May to 9 August.
Ahtiala Library will reopen on Monday 10 August at the Vire multipurpose centre in Myllypohja, located at Vanha Ahtialantie 93.
Before the closure, customers are encouraged to borrow plenty of reading material for the summer. Loan periods will be extended, and there is no need to worry about returns during the summer. An extended due date of 17 August applies only to items borrowed from Ahtiala Library: four-week loans starting from 24 April and two-week loans starting from 8 May. Other Lastu libraries will operate normally throughout the summer with standard loan periods.
The relocation will also affect the pickup of reserved items. During the closure, reservations arriving for pickup at Ahtiala Library can be collected from Lahti Main Library. Customers may also choose another pickup location via the online library. Items can be returned during the closure to all libraries in Lahti as well as to Lastu libraries in other municipalities.
Additional information:
Terhi Lehti Service Manager, Local Library Services terhi.lehti@lahti.fi +358 44 483 1513
Image: Visualisation of the Myllypohja multipurpose building, Arkkitehtipalvelu Oy
In the beta version, you can read Finnish and Swedish e-books and magazines directly in your web browser on a computer. Also magazines in English. You can sign in using strong authentication via the Kirjaudu sisään (Sign in) button in the top right corner of the interface.
A new soundproof workspace intended for customer use has been opened at the Main Library. The space can accommodate up to two people at a time, and it is designed for quiet work and studying. The workspace can be reserved for the purposes mentioned above. Havu is located at the Main Library in front of the auditorium.
Photo: Julia Lysenko / Lahti City LibraryView of the interior of the space. The picture shows a Framery soundproof workspace located at the Nastola Library, from where it was transferred to the Main Library.
24 March 2026 EDIT: The service interruption is over!
The library system update has been completed. Library services are now operating normally again.
-----------------------------------------
The version upgrade of the Lastu libraries’ library system will affect the use of the online library and other library services.
The version upgrade will begin on Sunday, 22 March at 19:00, but the self-service hours in the branch libraries will end already at 18:00. After 19:00, logging in to the online library and e‑services that require library card authentication will no longer be available. The version upgrade will not affect the operation of the municipalities’ shared E‑library.
During the version upgrade, library facilities will be available as usual during service hours. Borrowing, renewing loans, or picking up reservations will not be possible.
Staff will accept returns and check in loans once the system is available again. Overdue fees will accumulate normally during the version upgrade if the due date is before the upgrade begins.
Loan services, the online library, and e‑services connected to the library card will return to use once the upgrade is completed, estimated during the day on Tuesday, 24 March. Self-service facilities will also be reopened for normal use in the evening, if possible.
No due dates or reservation pick-up deadlines will fall during the version upgrade period.
Mobile library routes will not operate during the version upgrade.
Check the up-to-date opening hours in the online library at lastu.finna.fi.
The self-service hours of Nastola Library are being restricted due to disruptive behavior.
Starting from 13 March, the self-service hours of Nastola Library will need to be restricted. With the restriction, the library will be available for self-service use on weekdays (Mon–Thu) from 6:00 to 22:00, and on weekends and public holidays from 6:00 to 15:00. The library will close at 17:00 on Fridays. On holiday eves 2 April and 30 April, the library will close at 16:00.
Restricting the self-service hours is necessary due to continued disruptive behavior that violates the library’s user rules during self-service time. The restriction will remain in place until 3 May 2026.
People have repeatedly been allowed into the library without logging in, the premises have been left messy, and acts of vandalism have occurred.
The library informed the public about the increasing disturbances in November 2025. However, the situation has not calmed down, making the restriction of self-service opening hours a necessary measure to ensure the safety of both the library space and its customers.
The year 2025 was one of strong growth and multi‑channel services for Lahti City Library.
Library services reached residents in increasingly diverse ways—through physical locations, online services, and virtual events.
The operations of the Laune Library ended on 1 January 2026, and the library closed its doors on 31 December 2025. Laune Library thanks its customers for the years spent together.
In spring 2025, the event theme in Lahti’s libraries was civic engagement. Events explored topics ranging from election-related information influence to nature conservation. Civic engagement was prominently reflected both in the choice of guest speakers and in encouraging young people to participate in societal matters. The autumn 2025 event theme was Lahti 120 years, through which events delved into Lahti and the identity of its residents—through cherished memories, poetry, and inspiring author visits.
Growth in in-person visits and loans
Lahti’s libraries recorded a total of 990,226 customer visits during the year, a 3.9% increase from the previous year.
Neighbourhood libraries saw higher visitor numbers in 2025. They recorded 403,625 visits, which was 5.7% more than in the previous year. Self-service use also increased: there were 134,045 self-service visits, up 14.9% from 2024.
The main library likewise saw growth. In 2025, it recorded 574,042 visits, a 3.7% increase from the previous year.
Loan numbers also developed positively: a total of 1,986,500 loans were made during the year, representing a 6% increase compared to 2024. A total of 174,825 reservations were picked up in 2025.
Nearly 7,000 children and young people from Lahti participated in library-use instruction, media education sessions, or book talks. Investments in literacy work for children and youth were reflected in loan numbers: in 2025, 48% of all book loans were children's and young adult books.
Record growth in e‑resource use
The popularity of e‑resources grew strongly in 2025. A total of 139,919 e‑loans were made—an increase of 71.8% from the previous year.
In 2025, Lahti City Library invested in promoting e‑resources to its customers. Patrons rapidly adopted the national E‑library service, which has been available in Lahti since early 2024.
The Lastu online library services also reached users more widely: 1.45 million online sessions were recorded, a 14% increase from 2024.
Expanded event offerings – virtual events remained popular
The library organised numerous events and campaigns in cooperation with various partners.
Dialogue discussions were arranged in the libraries, focusing on library memories and the role of libraries. Lahti City Library and the Lahti Museum of Visual Arts, Malva, continued their creative collaboration, most recently inspired by the Transformations exhibition at Malva.
In 2025, the libraries organised 457 events, a 16% increase from the previous year. Events recorded a total of 8,717 visits, slightly fewer than the previous year.
Virtual events continued to grow in popularity. In 2025, 1,550 participants joined virtual events, an increase of 31.1% from 2024 and 112.3% from 2023.
Diverse and accessible services
In 2025, Lahti City Library continued its strong development as a multi‑channel space and service, serving residents both in physical spaces and online. Customers actively used all service channels, with particularly strong growth in digital services and self‑service library use.
Additional information
Lahti City Library
Pirita Rautavuo Service Manager pirita.rautavuo@lahti.fi 044 483 1513
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)
Laune Library thanks its customers for the years together. Laune Library closed its doors on 31 December 2025.
In autumn 2024, the Wellbeing and Leisure Committee unanimously decided to close Laune Library as of 1 January 2026.
In southern Lahti, services are provided by the Renkomäki Library, Liipola Library, and the mobile library. In southwestern Lahti, Kärpänen Library will serve customers. The main library and other local libraries in Lahti – Ahtiala, Jalkaranta, Mukkula, and Nastola – are also available.
Additional information
Lahti City Library Pirita Rautavuo Service Manager, Local Library Services pirita.rautavuo@lahti.fi Tel. 044 483 1513
Renkomäki Library Orimattilankatu 103 15680 Lahti
Liipola Library Ostoskatu 3 15500 Lahti
Kärpänen Library Kasakkamäentie 16 15800 Lahti
All Lahti libraries and more information: lastu.finna.fi
Laune Library thanks its customers for the years together. Photo: Nora Nordman / Lahti City Library
There has been significant disruptive behavior and vandalism at Nastola Library this autumn. Please remember the rules that help ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
Nastola Library has experienced considerable disruptive behavior and vandalism during the autumn. In addition to self-service hours, staff have had to intervene daily during service hours. Other customers have also provided feedback about the disturbances.
The library is a shared living room for everyone, and it should remain a pleasant space for all. The library is a safe place for both customers and staff. Everyone is responsible for helping maintain the safety of this shared space.
Children and young people have found their way to Nastola Library, which is great, but behavior must also respect other customers. Discuss at home how to behave in the library so that visits are pleasant for everyone.
If you notice disruptive behavior or misuse in the library, we encourage you to address the situation kindly by guiding. If this is not enough, self-service libraries have alarm buttons to call security. In case of suspected crime, always call the police.
To use the self-service library, you must log in with your own library card and PIN code. Do not let other people in with the same door opening, except for your own family members. Anyone under 15 needs guardian permission to use self-service hours. The guardian is responsible for their child’s actions and for anyone else the child may let in during self-service time.
Library staff are happy to help with self-service use.
You are warmly welcome to the library!
Additional information
Lahti City Library
Pirita Rautavuo Service Manager, Local Library Services pirita.rautavuo@lahti.fi +358 44 483 1513
Hanna Hölttä Librarian hanna.holtta@lahti.fi +358 44 79 09 335
The evening routes of the mobile library will temporarily be operated using a van, following the regular schedule. Book bags will be delivered to schools and kindergartens based on orders, but the routes themselves will not be driven. Due to operational issues with the mobile library, an independent inspection has been conducted. The inspection revealed repair needs that must be addressed by the vehicle supplier.
The electric mobile library Saaga was introduced in autumn 2024. Since its launch, it has experienced technical problems, particularly with engine performance. The vehicle has been out of service multiple times. These issues have not been resolved, and no agreement has been reached with the supplier.
An independent inspector has assessed the mobile library. The conclusion was that the vehicle does not meet the buyer’s expectations in all respects.
The matter is still under review. Cooperation with the supplier continues, and the company has provided proposals for repairs upon request. The next step is to evaluate the feasibility of these proposals, possibly with an expert, and decide on further actions. If no agreement is reached on the repairs, legal action may be considered, such as assessing the conditions for canceling the purchase.
Evening Routes Operated by Van for Now
Evening routes will continue with a van according to the normal schedule. Reserved materials will be delivered to customers, and a small selection of loanable items will be available, including new adult releases and materials for children and youth. Book bags will be delivered to schools and kindergartens upon request.
Reservations for the mobile library can be made via the Lastu online library. Library staff can assist with making reservations if needed. Reading tips for reservable materials are also available through the Lastu-vinkkaajat service.
Additional Information:
Lahti City Library
Salla Tammi Director of Library Services salla.tammi@lahti.fi Tel. 050 559 4098
Johanna Mattila Service Manager, Procurement and Logistics Services johanna.mattila@lahti.fi Tel. 044 416 3228
The selection of musical instruments in the main library's hobby rooms has been expanded with an electronic drum kit.
The Main Library collection of musical instruments has been expanded. We have acquired a set of Roland electronic drums, which emulate the feel of playing acoustic drums.
You can play the electronic drums in the piano room 4. The piano room can be reserved via the Timmi booking system. Read more about the rooms for recreational activities and how to reserve them at https://lastufinna.lahti.fi/rooms-for-recreational-activities/ (opens to a new window).
We also have some additions to the collection of sports equipment that can be borrowed. The library now has new equipment that may tempt our customers to go hiking or doing other physical exercise outdoors. The sports equipment in the library has been provided by the Lahti City Sports Services.
”Last autumn the Lahti Sports Services conducted a survey on what sports equipment our customers would wish to have. It’s great that we now have frisbee golf discs, for example,” says Suvi Haikola, Head of Library Services.
