Finland celebrates 100 years of independence with books

Finland is the most literate country in the world, according to a new report from Central Connecticut State University. It’s the first study to analyze large-scale trends in literate behaviour and literacy in more than 60 countries. This includes looking at reading test scores, as well as library usage and accessibility to books through libraries. The research finds that the Nordic countries – Finland, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway – are among the six most literate nations in the world.

We are very proud and happy for the results in Finland and all Nordic countries. It’s a well-known fact that Finland’s education system is good, but our libraries have also had a very important role in making us a strong literate country.

In 2017 we will celebrate the centenary of Finland’s independence. When planning how to celebrate the anniversary, one of the biggest themes will be books and reading. So, big campaigns advocating books and reading are coming next year. Library Channel (Kirjastokaista) will take part in many campaigns but never alone. With our experience in Finland we have learned to do campaigns and work together. There are so many organizations and people who are working with promoting reading, and we know that coming together the message is stronger.

We know that books have educated us and helped us to understand our history. One of the most important tasks of literature is to teach understanding other cultures and helping us to see the world through the eyes of others. That is what we all need!

I hope that next year we will talk about books more than ever, read books more than ever, and through that learn more than ever. Yes, Finland is the most literate country in the world, and I hope that we are taking care that we will be a reading people in the future as well. When looking at the plans made for the anniversary I am happy to say, this looks good!

– Riitta Taarasti, 18.3.2016 –