Oodi - Helsinki Central Library - one of the great modern city libraries

Oodi was one of the key projects for the 100th anniversary of Finland's independence.
Located next to Helsinki's Central Station, this library is for all. The opening hours reflect this: Weekdays 8:00 - 22:00, Weekends 10:00 - 20:00.

It's just about borrow books - you can see a movie, create music, play games, study, hold a meeting, dine, sew, learn how to cook, use a 3D printer and browse materials in almost 20 languages.

On the third level is Children's World. A secret door leads to the fairy tale room.

One of Oodi's tenets is Equality. "Everyone has a right to be in Oodi. Hanging out at Oodi without a reason is allowed and even recommended."

Place of learning, work of art, community centre, lounge, haven - Oodi is one of the great modern city libraries.

Oodi's brochure

"Dedication" art piece - the word-adorned spiral staircase

Is the paper book dead? Or just creatively reused? Books become visual art

The ultimate example of style over substance? Or is it stunning visual art?

Entry staircase

A closer look at "Reader's Digest" 

With the use of e-readers, hard cover and paperback books are now being used as decorating items.

We found this wall of pre-loved books in Melbourne's QT hotel foyer. The feature was created by Sydney artists Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro. Their "Reader's Digest" combines books 5.5 metres of books, glue and MDF. Some might say the best place for Jeffrey Archer is to be tightly wedged into a wall cavity.

The Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit doesn't bother using real books. It uses giant mock ups for its decor in the club lounge.