Embassy of the United States

Selected ARC Events

Close Window

The 10,000th borrower's card was issued in July 1952. Year-round average of libary visitors in 1952 was 3,447 per month.

enlarge photo

The 10,000th borrower's card was issued in July 1952. Year-round average of libary visitors in 1952 was 3,447 per month.

American Resource Center (1946-2006) Celebrating Its 60th Anniversary

The first American library in Finland, operated by the United States Information Service, opened at Kalevankatu 13 in Helsinki in 1946, with a modest collection of 2,000 books.

Over the years both the library’s name and location have changed but its main mission has remained the same: the library is still the best resource for Finns looking for information on the United States.

The American Resource Center has been part of the Helsinki University Library since 1993. Currently located on Unioninkatu, its collections have also grown: the current holdings comprise more than 12,000 volumes, 75 periodicals, American newspapers, online databases, and over 400 videotapes.

The Resource Center celebrates its 60th anniversary with an old photos’ exhibition displayed at the library throughout the summer, a library grant aimed at a Finnish student whose master’s thesis concentrates on the United States, and a free concert sponsored by the U.S. Embassy.