kirjastoissa

Kirjastoissa is the inessive plural form of the Finnish word kirjasto, meaning libraries. The form is used to indicate location within multiple libraries, for example when describing activities or services that occur “in libraries.”

In Finland, public libraries are community-oriented information and cultural centers. They are primarily municipally funded and connected through national coordinating bodies, with the National Library of Finland providing overarching guidance and preservation. Libraries offer access to printed and digital materials, including books, magazines, music, films, and databases, as well as services that support learning and research.

Typical services found in many libraries include lending of physical and digital materials, reading rooms and quiet study spaces, computers and free Wi‑Fi, printers and scanners, and assistance from library staff. Many libraries provide access to e-books, audiobooks, and online databases, as well as interlibrary loan that allows users to borrow items from other libraries. Catalogs and discovery services, such as the national Finna platform, help users locate materials across libraries.

Access to libraries is usually open to residents with a library card, which grants borrowing rights and entry to certain online resources. Membership policies vary by municipality, and libraries frequently offer programs for children, students, immigrants, and seniors, along with events, reading clubs, and cultural activities. In libraries, users also encounter services supporting education, research, and lifelong learning, reflecting their role as essential public institutions in Finnish society.