Finland’s shared E-library provides free, equal access to digital library resources across all public libraries and municipalities, fostering literacy and cultural engagement.
EQUAL DIGITAL ACCESS
Library services are Finland’s most widely used and valued municipal service. To guarantee equal access to digital resources, a shared E-library was established across all public libraries and municipalities, providing free access to diverse digital content. The service is fully publicly funded, with initial support from the Finnish Parliament.
SUPPORTING LITERACY AND INCLUSION
As digitalisation continues to shape user expectations, libraries must evolve to remain accessible and relevant to all segments of society. The E-library addresses this need by offering a sustainable operational model that benefits libraries, authors, and publishers alike. By ensuring equal access to a rich and diverse digital collection—regardless of individual financial means—the E-library fosters a strong reading culture and supports the development of comprehensive literacy skills. It also enhances opportunities for education, cultural engagement, and active digital citizenship.
USER-CENTRED INNOVATION
Developed collaboratively with libraries and maintained by the National Library of Finland, the E-library features a unified platform with professionally curated, diverse, and inclusive content. Built on open-source technology, it ensures transparency and user privacy, avoiding algorithm-driven suggestions in favour of expert-curated reading highlights. Library professionals across Finland coordinate marketing, education, and technological development to continuously improve the service.
