Reading Week celebrated in Turku libraries: Review all activities
This year's theme is learning to read and Reading is a celebration. The library aims to remind people that reading and literacy are both a joy and a privilege.
Turku City Library will be filled with events, book recommendations, and reading activities during the national Reading Week, taking place from April 20 to 26, 2026. This year’s theme is learning to read and Reading is a celebration. The library aims to remind people that reading and literacy are both a joy and a privilege.
A child’s literacy skills can only develop through reading. It is estimated that children who read daily gain more than a year’s advantage in their basic skills compared to those who read less than once a week.
Shared library visits support children’s reading. Active use of the library provides an environment that encourages children to pick up books and offers opportunities to read. Children who use libraries are more likely to become adults who continue to use them. Investing in children’s and young people’s literacy is a meaningful investment in the future.
"The development of a child’s literacy depends on finding enjoyable reading materials and encouraging perseverance in practicing reading skills. I hope each of us can lead by example in showing children the joy and importance of reading," says Rebekka Pilppula, Director of Library Services.
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Early start to Reading Week with the Mayor
Reading Week will kick off early on April 9 with the Books in My Life event at the Main Library Studio. Archbishop Tapio Luoma, Mayor Piia Elo, and author Roope Lipasti will join the discussion on the importance of reading. The event will be moderated by journalist Riitta Monto and is organized in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Turku as part of the Cathedral Chapter’s 750th anniversary celebrations.
Libraries are preparing for Reading Week by crafting festive bunting from discarded books at the Main Library Studio and the Paattinen Library. Later, visitors will also be able to create bunting at the Market Square when both of Turku’s mobile libraries arrive there on Saturday in honor of Reading Week.
"Library events celebrate literacy every day, but during Reading Week we especially want to inspire people of all ages to pick up a book and explore libraries. The program includes a wide variety of events, from children’s book reading marathons to literary discussions and workshops," says event coordinator Suvi Kiukas.
Reading spaces, workshops, and community activities
During Reading Week, the familiar Reading Corner—furnished with recycled furniture—will be available at the Main Library Studio, offering a wide selection of materials to read and browse. Organized in collaboration with Turku Ekotori, the Reading Corner will be open to all library visitors daily from Monday afternoon to Friday afternoon.
The space will also host a Blackout Poetry workshop and a multilingual language café during the week. At Hirvensalo Library, Reading Week will be celebrated with a sale of withdrawn books during service hours.
Animal stories, poetry, and literary events
On Friday of Reading Week, the children’s section Saaga at the Main Library will host a full-day reading marathon featuring animal stories. The marathon aims to inspire children to engage with reading and books. In addition to library staff, readers will include representatives from child welfare organizations and children’s culture groups, such as Janina Andersson, Executive Director of MLL Southwest Finland.
Deputy Mayor Mirka Muukkonen and Deputy Mayor for the Urban Environment Elina Rantanen will also participate as readers.
On Saturday afternoon, poetry enthusiasts will be treated to a session where the New Poetry Panel presents and discusses new Finnish poetry at the Main Library Studio. Panel members include translator Emmi Ketonen, poet and journalist Kalle Talonen, and writer and literary researcher Jasmine Westerlund. The event will be moderated by poet and author Helki Kallio and is organized by the Poetry Week Association of Southwest Finland in collaboration with the library.
A celebration of reading for everyone
During Reading Week, visitors are encouraged to check the library’s social media channels, where staff share their own reading journeys and memories of how their literacy skills developed over time. Everyone has their own story—and each one encourages others to pick up a book and celebrate reading.
Reading Week is an annual national campaign focused on literacy, offering information and content on current topics related to reading and literacy. It has been celebrated for over 40 years and is organized by the Finnish Reading Centre.