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.

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. 

  • Regional State Administrative Agency for Southern Finland
    Kristiina Kontiainen, tel. +358 (0)295 016 538
    Marko Ojala, tel. +358(0)295 016 175
     
  • Regional State Administrative Agency for Eastern Finland 
    Virpi Launonen, tel. +358 (0)295 016 845 
    Mervi Hotokka, tel. +358 (0)295 016 594
  • Regional State Administrative Agency for Lapland
    Satu Ihanamäki, tel. +358 (0)295 017 395
     
  • Regional State Administrative Agency for Southwestern Finland
    Anu Ojaranta, tel. +358 (0)295 018 302
     
  • Regional State Administrative Agency for Western and Inland Finland
    Jonna Toukonen, tel. +358 (0)295 018 222
    Mika Mustikkamäki, tel. +358 (0)295 018 843 
    Susanne Ahlroth, tel. +358 (0)295 018 762, Svenska enheten
     
  • Regional State Administrative Agency for Northern Finland
    Merja Kummala-Mustonen, tel. +358 (0)295 017 552
    Tapio Taskinen, tel. +358 (0)295 017 589
     
  • Swedish-language libraries
    Susanne Ahlroth, tel. +358 (0)295 018 762

Emails: [email protected]