Nordic Libraries Annual – NLA 2025

Libraries Working Against Polarisation

Polarisation is one of the most topical issues in society today, and it also affects libraries and their field of work. Public libraries are considered vital societal institutions. Nordic Libraries Annual 2025 will examine polarisation as a phenomenon from various perspectives and highlight Nordic examples of how libraries can help mitigate polarisation. We will hear presentations from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and of course, Finland. 

The second day of the event can be also followed online at

https://www.kirjastokaista.fi/live/

The Finnish Bibliotekskanal is streaming the event. We recommend registration, nonetheless.

NOTE! All times according to EET (UTC+02:00). We reserve the right to make changes.

Wednesday 29.10.2025

12-13 Library Tour: Visit to either Oodi Central Library or the National Library (transfer to the National Library either by foot or public transport). 

13-14 Lunch (at everyone’s own cost)

14-17.30 Library Tour: Bus transport to Vuosaari Library in Helsinki and Lippulaiva Library in Espoo.

The bus transport departs from Mannerheiminaukio (in front of Kiasma, from the charter bus stop) at 14:00. Return to the same place at about 17:30. 

Thursday 30.10.2025

8.45–9.15 Morning coffee

9.15–9.20 Welcome! Host of the day, Päivi Jokitalo

9.20-9.30 Welcome words from the Ministry of Education and Culture

9.30-10.00 Keynote – Navigating Polarisation: Libraries in the Midst of the Culture War
Hanna Carlsson, Associate Professor, Department of Cultural Sciences, Linnaeus University, Sweden

10.00-10.30 Libraries in the Age of Polarized Reading
Leea Lakka, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Eastern Finland

10.30–11.00 The library as an arena for learning democracy
Ida Berge, Advisor, The European Wergeland Centre, Norway

11.00-11.30 Disinformation, democracy and cognitive safety
Markus Neuvonen, Senior Expert, Faktabaari

11.30-13.00 Lunch (at everyone’s own cost)

13.00-14.20 Libraries as potential Bridge-Builders in a Polarized Society
Asmund Bertelsen, Democracy Developer and Project Manager, Peter Jørgensen, Library Facilitator and Sara Bindeballe, Library Facilitator, Aarhus Public Libraries

14.20–14.45 Afternoon coffee

14.45–15.45 Project presentations from Finland

• Vaasa City Library meeting societal challenges with extended expertise: libraries and social services – creating wellbeing through literacy. Teemu Sorila, Bachelor of Social Services at Library, Vaasa City Library
• Enhancing Social and Cultural Dialogue Skills in Southeastern Finland. Noora Oluikpe, Coordinator, Regional Development Task of Lahti City Library
• Literacy Project Ahaa! Multiliteracy for Adults. Anna Kippola, Service Manager, Raahe City Libraries

15.45-16.00 Last words and safe travels!