In english

What is The Centre of Book?

The national centre for book culture, current working title The Centre of Book – The Museum of Book, will be opened in 2011 in Sastamala, which is a city nearby Tampere. The Centre of Book will have its own home in a cultural historically valuable house in the city centre. The house that belonged to pharmacist Bäckman is currently being restored for the use of The Centre. After the restoration the building will have a new life: a place where plenty of joy, knowledge and vivid stories will be offered as The Centre of Book opens.

A book touches everyone. Every Finn has read at least one book – ABC-book.

The Centre of Book tells the story of Finnish book and literature intriguingly, and in such way that it will be interesting to all children, youngsters, adults and the elderly.

Displays

The displays at The Centre of Book will shed light on the past and present of Finnish book and literature. The development of a book as an item and a phenomenon will be processed from the Bible to e-book. People interested in books, such as readers, writers, librarians and publishers, will be heard. The display will also reveal how the development of a book is intertwined with school, church, politics and changes in society as a whole. In the display modern technology of museums is interrelated with traditional narration, a real item is taken as a part of an artwork and a documental picture is joined together with the setting. Easily approachable display can be looked at with a few glances, but there is enough to observe for hours.

Events

There will be events about current literary subjects: theatre, music, lectures and courses. After a concert in the event hall you can move on to explore the display with a drama guide, and afterwards enjoy an evening meal in the café. The premises are also for rent. There are ideal facilities for meetings and festivities for bigger or smaller groups of people. In the idyllic environment of the house, you can also have private occasions with or without catering.

Café

A lyric and literary café will also be opened at The Centre of Book. While reading your favourite book you can also enjoy a cup of good coffee and a pastry, or have a bite of something savoury in the middle of a cultural trip, or just spend an evening by having a book discussion club and enjoying a glass of red wine.

Shop

From The Centre’s own shop you will find book-related products. You can buy book jewellery, book pocketbooks, author mugs and other bookish fun for yourself or for a gift.

Background of The Centre of Book

Behind The Centre of Book is the foundation of Finnish Book Institute, whose fundamental mission is to enhance the Finnish book culture. The foundation is in charge of the content, planning and implementation of The Centre of Book. The Council of Tampere Region, the city of Sastamala and the Ministry of Education have financed the planning process. After completion of The Centre of Book the foundation will be responsible for The Centre’s operation.

The city of Sastamala is in charge of the restoration of the house of pharmacist Bäckman, the coming premises of The Centre of Book. The city has received ERDF-funding for the restoration through Pirkanmaa Regional Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment and The Council of Tampere Region. Architectural work is done by architect’s office Hanna Lyytinen Oy from Tampere. The main contractor is VRP Rakennuspalvelut Oy.

 

For more information, contact: Leena Aaltonen.

Phone:  +358 (0) 50 577 0707

E-mail:  Sähköpostiosoite on suojattu roskapostiohjelmia vastaan, Javascript-tuen tulee olla päällä nähdäksesi osoitteen