Libraries 

The role of the Regional State Administrative Agency’s Division of library services is to support the operations of public libraries to help them meet the targets set for them. The purpose of libraries is to promote equal access to culture and education and to make information available. Libraries have a central role as a promoter of reading, literature and versatile literary skills, and they facilitate lifelong learning. Library services and facilities advance active social engagement, democracy and freedom of speech.  

We train 

We organise short-term in-service training for library staff. These events focus on topics such as legislation, library development, management and internationalisation. In producing this training, we work with libraries which have special duties or which are responsible for library development in their area. We also work with other operators in the field.

We grant aids  

Local authorities and local public libraries can apply for government aid through Regional State Administrative Agencies for local or regional experimental and development projects. 

Read more about state aid.

Special grant to develop public libraries as a forum for a dialogue between citizens and decision-makers

In 2021, we will make a one-off grant available to public libraries for promoting democracy work. The purpose of the grant is to enhance the dialogue between citizens and decision-makers by developing libraries as physical and virtual meeting places. 

The applications must be submitted between 16 August and 20 September 2021. For application instructions, go to the website aviavustukset.fi and click ‘Avustusmuodot’ (Types of grant). The application instructions will be published on 1 June. The grant is titled erityisavustus yleisten kirjastojen toiminnan kehittämiseen kansalaisten ja päättäjien vuoropuhelun foorumeina (special grant to develop public libraries as a forum for a dialogue between citizens and decision-makers). 

We produce information and conduct assessments  

We collect data about public library operations and assess the quality and availability of library services. We use these assessments as the basis for the information we provide about the state of public libraries. We have set up a knowledge management network for libraries for the exchange of good knowledge management practices.