Janakkala shared library

The aim of the Janakkala shared library development project is to strengthen the role of libraries as promoters of democracy, sources of reliable information and facilitators of citizen participation.

Today public debate easily becomes polarized, which increases the need for calm and constructive discussion. Events organized as part of the Janakkala shared library project offer people a place to meet each other and discuss important issues in peace. The conversations use the Erätauko method, which aims to increase mutual understanding.

The library’s democracy work is based on the Library Act. According to the Act, the task of the library is to promote social and cultural dialogue. The Library Act emphasizes community, pluralism and cultural diversity. The Act’s objectives also include supporting active citizenship, democracy and freedom of expression.

During the project, the library can, through pilots and together with stakeholders, consider what the library’s democracy and participation work means in Janakkala. At the same time, the library’s role as part of the municipality’s broader participation work will be outlined. In 2026 the library will organize discussion events and other events and try different ways of doing democracy work. The goal is to create a model for the library’s democracy work in Janakkala that suits the municipality and becomes a permanent practice.