Customers voted – children’s section at Kalajärvi Library to be redesigned later this year

During the participatory budgeting process, the library collected residents’ ideas and wishes for events, services and improvements that would benefit and delight library customers. From among all the proposals, the idea to be implemented is the redesign of the children’s section, giving the space a new look and structure.

The improvement will be carried out later this year. A budget of EUR 15,000 has been allocated for the project.

The planning of the children’s section will begin as soon as possible, so that the actual work can start in the autumn. The work will be completed by the end of the year. Library staff will plan the implementation so that families and especially children get to contribute their ideas.

The schedule depends on how space-related projects currently underway at other libraries progress. Resident engagement methods must also be taken into consideration in the schedule. We will provide information on the progress of the improvement project at the library and through the library’s social media channels (Facebook and Instagram). Key information will also be shared on the espoo.fi website.

The library’s customers took part in selecting the improvement project in two phases.

During the first phase from 9 to 28 February, they were asked to suggest their ideas for new services or events. A total of 113 proposals were submitted. Many proposals included several individual ideas. The proposals emphasised strengthening a sense of community, events that increase people’s knowledge and skills, and taking into account families with children.

After the first round, the library staff and local residents’ representatives evaluated the proposals, and the improvement ideas that received the most mentions moved on to the second phase. Recurring themes and wishes were taken into account, and similar proposals were combined.

In the second round, from 6 to 26 April, customers voted for their favourite from the three selected options. A total of 244 votes were cast. The redesign of the children’s section was the clear winner.

45% of the votes:
The children’s section will be redesigned. The space will become a place where children and families can play and read. The space will have a nature theme. Craft kits will be purchased for customers to borrow.

29% of the votes:
The library spaces will be reorganised to enable both quiet work and craft events, such as clothing repair and workshops. After the change, workshops will be held at the library.

26% of the votes: 
The library will host a theme night on a specific day of the week. At these events, participants can do crafts or get information on various topics. The event programme and guests will be planned so that they are suitable for people of all ages.

Participatory budgeting offers residents the opportunity to have their say in how the city’s tax revenue is used. Espoo City Library uses participatory budgeting both to allow children and young people to get their voices heard and to develop library services for adults.

Espoo’s libraries are involved in ManiMiitti, organised annually by Youth Services. ManiMiitti gives Espoo’s lower secondary school pupils a chance to have their say in matters related to their neighbourhoods and leisure activities. Primary school pupils can have their say through Toimintatonni, which is part of Espoo City Library’s participatory budgeting and democracy education activities. 

Participatory budgeting for improving adults’ library services began in 2025 with the development of services at the Entresse Library. The food-related events created based on the voting results have received enthusiastic feedback.