Pääkirjasto Metso, Tampere

Tampere is the third biggest city in Finland, with a population of 255 000 inhabitants. Historically it is the first and biggest industrial city in Finland.  Today it is also a city of culture and sports. It is the hometown of the important author Väinö Linna, best known for his book “The Unknown Soldier”. Pääkirjasto Metso is the main library of The Tampere City Library.  It has got the name “Metso”, because seen from above its architectural form reminds of the bird wooden grouse, even called capercaillie. This is a rather impressive landmark building designed by the Finnish architects Reima and Raili Pietilä. It replaced in 1986 the old central library. The architecture is fascinating in an almost sacred style. But the very special structure also restricts bigger changes in developing service areas. The collection of different materials, books, DVDs, music, magazines and newspapers is of high quality and very diversified. There is a separate music department and a reading room for magazines. The ground floor has auditoriums and quiet study areas and the upper floor a popular cafeteria. FIVE stars: Excellent