Kuhmo city library

The Kuhmo city cibrary is an internationally acclaimed, architecturally significant, and protected building. Located along the Pajakka rapids and the popular and beautiful walking route, Rantaraitti, the library is a popular destination. Inside the library, visitors can also enjoy a beautiful view of the rapids. Tourist Information is also housed within the library.

The library offers a good selection of books, magazines, movies, games, as well as digital materials. Customers have access to computers, a printer, meeting rooms, and remote workspaces. The library also hosts rotating exhibitions. The self-service library was opened in the spring of 2022. Every municipality in Finland is required to provide library services and in Kuhmo it is made with style!

The library in Kuhmo was established as early as 1880. The design of the current library building began in the early 1980s. In 1984, an open and highly popular architectural competition was held, with 130 entries. The winner of the architectural competition was “Atalante,” designed by the Nurmela-Raimoranta-Tasa architectural firm. The library was named Atalante after the film “L’Atalante” directed by Jean Vigo. In the film, L’Atalante is a riverboat, while in Kuhmo, it symbolizes a ship bringing knowledge and art from around the world. The library building was put into use in 1988.

The library features Niilo Hyttinen’s 11-meter-long painting “Lentua – a mythic tale.” Additionally, there is a woven artwork “Kirjan merkit” by textile artist Adriana Donner.

Near the library on the shore, there is a beautiful sculpture by Irma Laukkanen called “Valon huone” (Room of Light). In the courtyard, there is also “Paabelin torni” (Tower of Babel), designed by Kari Cavén. It is built from the orange chairs of the dismantled Kontio school, which were used in events like the Kuhmo Chamber Music concerts.