Main Library Metso

The main library Metso is a well-known landmark in the centre of Tampere, located in the corner of Hämeenpuisto Park and Pirkankatu. Getting to the main library is easy on foot, by bicycle and public transport. The paid parking lot is located behind the library on the Mustanlahdenkatu side. The library has an accessible ramp leading from the parking lot to the main door of the library. 

Services on three floors 

The main library Metso has services on three floors. On the main floor, you'll find most of the collections, computers and a multifunction device, customer service, and a comfortable department for children and young people. It has places suitable for reading, working and spending time both in the library hall and in the quiet workspace. There is a space designated for the use of young people right next to the lobby, and the littlest guests will love the Storytime Room. If you need guidance, you can ask the caretakers in the library's main lobby. The everyday life of the library is full of literature events that are organised on the Metso stage. 

On the upper floor, you’ll find the music section that is well-known for its events, reservable music rooms, a spacious newspaper reading room and Cafe Metso where you can grab coffee or lunch. 

The lecture rooms and conference and exhibition spaces that can be used for a fee and the free-to-use project rooms are located on the ground floor of the main library. The ground floor also has another quiet space and a microfilm room. You can come to the open lobby to work, study or eat your snacks. In the library, you have access to the open wireless network SeutuOpen.  

Complete architectural artwork 

Metso was completed in 1986, and both Finnish and international tourists will surely find its unique architecture interesting. The building, designed by the architect couple Raili and Reima Pietilä, represents organic architecture and it resembles a courting wood grouse from above. (The name of the library, Metso, means “wood grouse” in Finnish.) The architectural artwork is designed down to the door handles. 

The main library Metso was renovated in 2015-2017. The renovation respected the original appearance of the building: Metso's earthy colour palette and round design were preserved, and many original furniture was refurbished. At the same time, however, the facilities were adapted to meet today's needs, such as organising events and urban office-style work. The number of book shelves was reduced in order to make the space seem more open, increase natural light and clarify passages. The architect for the basic renovation was Marko Suutarla (Arkkitehtitoimisto Forssi Oy). 

The renovation of the Main Library Metso was rewarded with the 2017 Accessibility Award by the Disability Council of the City of Tampere. 

The short address for this page is tampere.fi/en/mainlibrarymetso