New name selected for the renovated library building

Lähde is a meeting place of knowledge, learning and wellbeing

The new name chosen for the library building is Jyväskylä University Library Lähde. It is possible to use the full name or a shorter version. Lähde was selected because it is a beautiful Finnish word that has several meanings relating to the renewed library building. As a word, lähde (a spring, source) is collective and inviting, a fresh and flowing source of information.

“The building and its functions are open for the whole city, so we invited everyone to find a new name through a name competition,” says Rector Keijo Hämäläinen. “The aim was to find a name that describes the renewing purposes of the library building. In addition to library functions, the building will also include other services and serve both the university community and local citizens of various age groups. Lähde is a meeting place of knowledge, learning and wellbeing.”

“Thank you for all who participated in the name competition. It was great that the competition raised interest and activated people to participate and discuss – it was exactly what we wished. We received many great suggestions but in the final phase the competition jury was unanimous.”

In total 15 persons suggested the winning name in the first phase. They explained Lähde to be a short and beautiful name with multiple meanings. It refers to a source of information and a refreshing place full of life. It also is an imperative that encourages you to come along and welcomes to the library building. The name also is in line with other names on the campus such as Lyhty and Soihtu.

“However, we also wanted to honour the history of the building,” Rector Hämäläinen says. “The old name, Jyväskylä University Library, was suggested several times. As a result, the full name will be Jyväskylä University Library Lähde.”
The word lähde will be used as an inspiration for names of facilities in the library building.

Reformation of functions in the library building

The renovation will also result in a reformation of functions in the building. From the end of 2021, the building will host the library and the researcher and museum services of the Open Science Centre. Jyväskylä University Library Lähde will be open for research presentations, education, science education and citizen science. There building will also offer teaching facilities and Student Life activities. In addition, Digital Services will have offices in the building. All operations will utilise the latest digital solutions.

Thus, the renovation means the building’s reformation to a new kind of lively meeting place that has unique architecture and versatile services for JYU staff, students and local citizens. With interesting science and art events and high-quality exhibitions, it will be a place to see for both local people and visitors. In the future, Jyväskylä University Library Lähde will more strongly play a role as an open gateway to the campus.

The main prize of the competition, a dinner in the renovated library building, will be raffled among all who proposed the winning name. Other 14 who suggested Lähde will receive a product prize from the Soppi University Shop. In addition, vouchers to the library’s cafe will be raffled among all who participated in the first phase of the competition. The winners will be contacted personally.

More information

Director of Communications Anna-Kaisa Säkkinen

+358406577211, anna-kaisa.sakkinen@jyu.fi