#Libraries have always been a very important part of my life. As a kid I spent a lot of time in the local libraries, sucking in #comics and #books. Often in the back room waiting for my mother, who was a librarian, to finish work. Later as an adult I've spent a lot of time in libraries reading newspapers and technology/science/history magazines. These days I don't spend so much time in libraries, but I reserve and pick up things, to read at home.

In #Finland all this is free, provided by #society with tax money. This is extremely important, since it promotes #equality in society and allows #information and #culture to be accessible for those without money to spend. Newly released books especially are expensive. And libraries are not just about books these days, in Finland at least. They provide free or very low cost services for everyone, be it printing services, sewing machines, computer time or 3D printing facilities. This is again extremely important for everyone in society to have access to resources like this, without needing costly equipment.

Even in the corona restrictions, the libraries have stayed open for important services like printing and computer time. For many in society, libraries are the only way to get on the internet, for example. Libraries create a more fair and balanced society, and I think that is super important to remember. I would encourage everyone who thinks libraries are important to keep this in mind in the coming elections and choose a party from the left that wants to keep our excellent library system in place.

As a kind of tribute, and to create myself some #cycling routes for the summer, I'm going to visit all the libraries in at least #Helsinki during the summer. Possibly extending to some in Espoo and Vantaa, should I get that far. For each library, I'll post some details of the library and what I got from there. The order will not unfortunately be alphabetical, due to some of the books I've reserved being more popular than others. And due to corona restrictions, one cannot just go in and browse around.

The first library is one I visit most often, the central library #Oodi. Follows in the next post. Hashtag #TributeToLibraries should you want to follow the posts - or participate yourself in your own location! :)