Varissuo Library has set itself a tough goal – to become the cultural centre of its neighbourhood. This has taken a lot of work over time, and it has been a team effort.
Today, Varissuo Library serves as the cultural living room of its multicultural suburb, offering a wide range of services to local residents.
Cooperation enables a variety of versatile activities
Accomplishing the goal has taken a lot of effort. In recent years, Varissuo Library has expanded and diversified its events through a variety of projects, such as Virkeä Varissuo [Active Varissuo], Varissuo ennen, nyt ja huomenna [Varissuo: past, present and future] and Kulttuurin välitilat [Intermediate spaces for cultural activities].
– Through these events, we have connected with people of different ages, says Librarian Liisa Saarinen.
Close collaboration with local associations has also been crucial. The Yhdessä [Together] association operates in the same building as the library, making cooperation easy. A British “story lady” Maria Vatanen visits the library, offering storytime sessions in English. The Monikulttuurinen varhaiskasvatus, koti ja koulu ry [Multicultural Early Childhood Education and Care, Home and School Association] helps with the arrangements. In addition, the Red Cross offers schoolchildren help with their homework [Läksyhelppi], while TSL Turku provides digital advice.
– The library offers facilities for various associations to operate. This makes the place familiar to local residents, says Librarian Marjatta Laitinen.
– The library would not be able to provide such extensive services on its own. We need partners both now and in the future.
A tranquil place for locals
Culture is visible in the library through sound art, art exhibitions and reading circles. However, local identity is at the heart of everything. Varissuo can be seen and heard in every activity at the library.
The library offers local residents a variety of events, but it is also a space to spend time and work.
– You can borrow a Föli bus card or a season ticket for TPS games in the library. We also provide research rooms for quiet work, Laitinen says.
For me, the library is a place where I can be in my own bubble.
Henna Moilanen goes to Varissuo Library several times a week to study. The library is close to her, and she can always find a quiet space to study there.
– For me, the library is a place where I can be in my own bubble and focus on my own things, Moilanen describes.
– I feel at home in Varissuo Library; it’s a welcoming and safe place to be.
Expert on its own neighbourhood
Sulo Järvinen, 90, visits the library daily to read the newspapers. It is important to him that the library is close by and frequently open.
– It’s good to have a library. If you need any information, you can find it here.
Customer feedback often highlights satisfaction with the library’s proximity.
– As many services have already disappeared from the area, some are concerned about whether the library will remain, says Liisa Saarinen.
The library is an expert on its own neighbourhood.
For library staff, customers are at the heart of their work. Local libraries hold important information about their area, and staff often get to know their customers. The library is an expert on its own neighbourhood, understanding the services needed by its residents.
In Varissuo, the multicultural customer base is considered. The librarians come up with ideas for events that are accessible and easy to join. In addition, they explore new forms of collaboration, seek out new partners, and actively consider ways to reach those who have not yet visited the library.
– Cooperation helps in this challenge. We would like the library to be a companion to individuals throughout the different stages of their lives, Marjatta Laitinen summarises.
TEXT: NOORA YRTTIAHO
The article was published in Finnish in Turkuposti 1, 2025.