Libraries

The library operations of the Finnish Supervisory Agency provide short-term in-service training for the staff of public libraries, award government grants, produce information, evaluate the activities of libraries, and direct libraries to develop their operations.

Continuous training and professional development

We organise short-term in-service training for library staff. The themes of the training events arise from legislation, policy development objectives and current phenomena concerning libraries. We plan and implement training in cooperation with our networks from a customer perspective.

International cooperation

As part of continuous training and professional development, we promote international competence sharing. We regularly organise a Nordic Libraries Annual (NLA) seminar related to the current themes of library work, as well as study trips to other Nordic countries.  

Central government grants

Municipalities can apply for government grants for local or regional pilot and development activities in public libraries from the Finnish Supervisory Agency. 

Municipalities can also apply for government grants for the promotion of reading and literacy in prisons. The grant covers activities organised for inmates in Finland's 15 closed prisons and two open prisons (Käyrä, Huittinen). 

Complaints

Anyone can file a complaint on a library’s operations. You can file a complaint if you suspect, for example, that the municipality’s library services have acted contrary to the law or good governance or if an error or neglect of official duties has occurred. More detailed instructions on how to file a complaint can be found on our general complaint page.

Production of information

We regularly produce information related to libraries. In addition, we produce national library statistics as well as studies related to libraries.

Population survey on the role of libraries in society:

In autumn 2025, the Regional State Administrative Agencies, which were previously responsible for the tasks of the library services of the Finnish Supervisory Agency, conducted a survey on citizens' expectations and values towards libraries, as well as on the significance of public libraries in society.

Communications

We publish a national library newsletter in Finnish and Swedish. The newsletter contains news and announcements on current library matters. Subscribe to the newsletter. In addition, you can find us on social media:

Contact information

South Karelia, Tavastia Proper, Kymenlaakso, Päijänne Tavastia and Uusimaa:
Marko Ojala, tel. +358 295 255 403 

South Ostrobothnia, Central Ostrobothnia and Ostrobothnia:
Jonna Toukonen, tel. +358 295 255 700

South Savo, North Karelia and North Savo:
Virpi Launonen, tel. +358 295 254 804
Miikka Metsola, tel. +358 295 254 882

Kainuu and North Ostrobothnia:
Merja Kummala-Mustonen, tel. +358 295 254 674

Central Finland and Pirkanmaa:
Mika Mustikkamäki, tel. +358 295 254 112

Lapland:
Satu Ihanamäki, tel. +358 295 255 746

Southwest Finland and Satakunta:
Anu Ojaranta, tel. +358 295 255 061

Bilingual (Finnish-Swedish) municipalities:
Lena Sundström, tel. +358 295 255 581

Email addresses to our personnel follow the format [email protected].