Kuopio City Library breaks its lending record again

The year 2025 was a record-breaking one for Kuopio City Library, with record borrowing statistics, successes in promoting literacy among children and young people, and events celebrating Kuopio’s 250th anniversary.

In 2025, local residents borrowed a total of 2.5 million items. This is approximately 170,000 more loans than in 2024, when borrowing numbers also reached record levels. “This highlights the importance of libraries and reading as part of everyday life for people of all ages,” commented Library Director Päivi Savinainen.

Approximately 7% of all loans were from the e-library, where loans have doubled. Audiobooks, e-books, and e-magazines can be borrowed from the e-library. Online library services also saw an upward trend, exceeding 1.6 million visits, which is approximately 50,000 more than in 2024. The popularity of online services and the demand for e-materials are increasing year by year.

In 2025, the library organized free events open to everyone, which attracted around 33,000 participants. The Kuopio250 anniversary year was reflected in both the number of events and visitors. For example, on the Night of the Arts on August 29, Antti Heikkinen & Nyhtöpelimanni’s library concert attracted as many as 600 participants.

The average resident visited the library nine times and borrowed 19 items. The most borrowed item was Satu Rämö’s Rakel. The biggest thanks for the record-breaking borrowing year in 2025 go to the library’s active customers and expert staff.