Library for Children and Families

Children and young people are important customers of libraries in Espoo. Our libraries offer children and families a wide range of books, activities and recreational spaces.

Plenty of things to do

All kinds of children and families are welcome to the library. You can visit the library at any time to relax, read, play, or enjoy computer, console and board games. Our versatile services are free of charge. You can find your nearest library and its opening hours on the Helmet website.(external link, opens in a new window)

Video presenting the children’s section and family services at libraries. The video has no narration.Author: Espoon City Library

Experience the joy of reading

Reading is important as it contributes to the development of language, imagination, and emotional intelligence. It is important to read aloud to children, read together with them, and encourage them to read on their own. You can find more information about the benefits of reading on the Lue Lapselle website(external link, opens in a new window).

Library employees are happy to recommend age-appropriate reading for children and books for adults at different stages of life. In libraries, you can find easy-to-read and plain-language books, as well as materials in various languages available for borrowing and reading. You can borrow books, magazines, games, music, films and audio and e-books to enjoy at home.

We encourage children to read by offering activities like storytimes that are open to all. In libraries, children can practice reading with a reading companion, such as a library reading dog.

We also support children’s literacy by working together with day care centres and schools. Read more on the KULPS library path webpage.

Reading resources for children and families

You can find plenty of reading tips online, both on the library’s website and other websites. Check out our list of useful websites below.

Kirjastokurre

Kirjastokurre shares reading recommendations and library stories from Espoo on its Instagram and YouTube accounts. The service is provided by staff from libraries’ children’s and youth sections.

Recreational activities at libraries

Libraries welcome you to participate in events for children and families! Most libraries organise regular storytimes and other family-friendly events. Large libraries also offer many other activities, such as family cafés, music classes for babies, and film screenings for children. Some of our events are organised together with partners. Events held at libraries are free of charge.