Library

Our library is an open space for everyone and the heart of the French Institute.

Here, you can read, study, work, enjoy a coffee, meet friends, and explore the largest French-language library in Finland.

The library offers a rich selection of contemporary French-language literature, including novels, graphic novels, and children’s books. You’ll also find a small collection of translated works (Finnish literature in French and French literature in Finnish), as well as art books and cookbooks.

In addition, the media library lends board games and even some typic French items, like pétanque balls or a raclette machine.

Welcome to the library!

Opening Hours
  • Tuesday: 10:00–18:00
  • Wednesday: 10:00–18:00
  • Thursday: 10:00–14:00
  • Friday: 10:00–17:00
  • Saturday: 10:00–14:00

The institute and library are closed on Mondays and Sundays.

Library Membership

 

Membership
You can become a member  in person at the library of the French Institute.
To register, you must present an identity document. For membership we require the member’s first name, last name, and email address.
Membership does not require a physical card. The membership is linked to the member’s email address.

Borrowing
The loan period for books and films is 4 weeks.
The loan period for the raclette grill and pétanque balls is agreed upon separately.
You may borrow a maximum of 15 items at a time.

Loan renewal

To extend the loan period, please contact us by email:
 kirjasto@france.fi
The loan period may be extended up to five times, so that the maximum total loan period is 6 months.
The borrower is responsible for the borrowed material and for returning it to the library.

Collection de la médiathèque

You can explore the media library’s collection here: catalogue.

Would you like to suggest a book that isn’t yet in our collection?

Please fill out this form.

Online library Culturethèque

Culturethèque is the digital library of all French Institutes worldwide, and it is also available in Finland. Access to Culturethèque is independent of membership at the French Institute of Finland’s library.

The platform is open to everyone, wherever you are in Finland!

You can easily create your account on the Culturethèque website at any time. Each account is valid for one year. To renew your subscription, please contact us at: kirjasto@france.fi

Instructions for creating a Culturethèque account.

Here’s how to create a Culturethèque account:
  1. Go to www.culturetheque.com.
  2. Click on “Connexion“.
  3. Click on “Créer un compte“.
  4. Fill in the required information and accept the terms of use.
  5. Click on “valider”.

After creating the account, you will receive an automatic confirmation email. Creating an account also starts a one-month trial period, during which you immediately have access to the platform. New accounts are confirmed by the French Institute in Finland, and from the confirmation date, membership is valid for one year. If you do not receive an email confirming your membership, please contact kirjasto@france.fi.

Book Donations

We do not accept book donations.

However, at the entrance of the Institute, you will find a book exchange box where everyone can freely leave or take books! Please limit  your deposits to 5 books at a time so the shelf does not fill up too quickly.

⚠️ Only leave books in French or books with a clear connection to French language or culture. Also, use your judgment to leave books that you think may interest other visitors. Very old or damaged books should not be left in the box but recycled instead.

Café and shop

In our library, you will also find a cozy café corner where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or savor French teas from Mariage Frères. Feeling a little hungry? The café corner also offers delicious French biscuits from the renowned brand Mère Poulard.

As for the Institute’s shop, it’s full of lovely finds to treat yourself or surprise your loved ones: caps and mugs in the Institute’s colors, as well as charming accessories from the French brand Coucou Suzette!

Campus France Reception

Interested in studying in France? At the library’s reception, you will also find Campus France Finland, which provides guidance and support throughout your application process. For more information about Campus France, please visit the Higher Education in France page.