Jyväskylä University Libraries - at the Heart of Campus

The Jyväskylä University Library is one of the oldest libraries in Finland, its history beginning in the 1860s. Today, the Library serves over 2 000 customers daily and over a half million annually.

-- JYU Main Library

In Finland, libraries are not only about reading. They are aimed to provide a common space for students and other citizens as well. Besides books, journals and articles, they also offer music collections, videos, computers, printers, different functional areas and food. If you have been to or heard about the Oodi library in Helsinki, you must know what I am talking about.

As a JYU student, you cannot miss the main library on campus. It is a three-floor building designed by Finnish architect Arto Sipinen, located at the end of the main campus. I’d say it is the most popular place among students, because it has everything you need.

If you want to focus, there are silent study area and self-study rooms. If you need to discuss with your group, there are discussion area and meeting rooms. If you are tired or you want to study in a more comfortable way, there is a cafeteria, a cafe and cozy sofas on both second floor and third floor. There are also computers and printers on each floor. Sometimes, the library organizes events and exhibitions on the first floor, such as old book sales and topic-based book exhibition every 3 months.

It is under renovation now, and will be ready to use in autumn 2021. After renovation, it will be equipped with more flexible and more comfortable facilities. The opening hours will also be longer than before. To memories its 45 years of service, students made a music video for it:

Although the main library’s renovation takes about 2 years, the other libraries on campus are at your services:

Mattilanniemi Library, building MaA

Mattilanniemi Library is on the second floor of building MaA, which is near to Agora. It also has silent study area, computer rooms and a meeting room. On the first floor, there is a cafeteria called Maija.

Ylistönrinne Library, building YK

Ylistönrinne Library is on the side of the lake Jyväsjärvi, in the faculty of Mathematics and Science. Its collections are all on nature science. It is easy to notice spot those buildings, especially in summer, as they are all shining under sunshine.

Aalto Library, building C

Aalto Library is designed by architect Alvar Aalto and is open as a self-service reading room while the Main Building (C) is open. There are about 10 working stations and wireless network (WLAN) available. It has various collections but does not provide home loan.