Last week, I was in Helsinki for a work trip, and during my short stay, I was thrilled to discover two things that I wanted to share with you!
Four years ago, I visited the Oodi Library in Helsinki, and I remember being incredibly impressed. From the modern architectural design to the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere inside, it’s one of the best places I’ve ever been. One thing that caught my attention this time was how accessible the library’s 3D printing services are.
Most libraries, including Oodi, offer 3D printing stations equipped with Ultimaker S3 printers.
Each print costs only 0.7€, with a maximum print time of 8 hours.
I’m so happy to see that they’ve made 3D printing accessible to everyone. The machines are in an open area where anyone—especially kids—can watch them in action, sparking curiosity and creativity. They’ve also set up an online reservation system, so you don’t need to wait if someone else is using the printer.
Beyond the 3D printing area, Oodi offers a range of other maker tools, including sewing machines, soldering stations, laser cutters, a wire binder, button pin machines, large format printers, UV printers, and more. There are also reading and project rooms, a theater, a lecture hall, a kitchen, pop-up areas, workshops, a gaming room (with PS5, Xbox, Switch, and retro games), and even a studio. The space is truly a maker’s paradise.
After my library visit, I went for a walk around Töölönlahti Bay, enjoying the sun and fresh air. During my walk, I stumbled upon a tiny floating house on the water, which turned out to be a water-powered USB charger.
Unfortunately, when I inspected it closely, I noticed that the USB connector was broken. It’s a reminder that public installations, especially those exposed to the elements, need extra protection against wear and tear or potential damage. USB connectors, in particular, aren’t built for heavy-duty use, so they might break if someone mishandles them.
I reached out to the creator of this wonderful project to express my appreciation and let them know that the charger isn’t working. Hopefully, it will be repaired soon.
Thank you for reading! This is my first time sharing maker-related stories from my travels, and I hope you enjoyed it!