Central Library Saari’s opening ceremony ends with the European Capital of Culture year’s Opening Festival on January 17–18, 2026

Saari’s opening celebration is part of the European Capital of Culture year’s Opening Festival. Central Library Saari’s opening week, January 12–18, 2026, connects to the city’s great celebration that invites citizens to experience and create culture. 

There is programming for all ages, all the way from tours to author visits, music performances, and art workshops. At the beginning of the week, the library will see many interesting author guests, such as Sofi Oksanen, Max Seeck, and Cristal Snow. Musical performances will be given by Ullalintulampi duo and Pentti Punkin syntymäpäivät. For children, we offer multi-language literature events and puppet shows. Also, the Children’s Museum that opens in October comes to introduce themselves.  

The renewed Central Library Saari’s official opening ceremony will be held on Saturday January 17 at 12.00 in the Pakkala Hall. The ceremony is opened by the Science and Culture Minister Mari-Leena Talvitie, and the building’s architecture and renovation will be highlighted during the ceremony. Teuvo Pakkala School’s children will hold a music performance. The ceremony culminates with the Book of Oulu publication. The ceremony is open and free of charge to all.  

Come and celebrate with us! 

See the opening week’s programming on Central Library Saari’s webpage here (in Finnish).