When a library offers more than books
In Kangasala, Finland, the public library is much more than a place to borrow books. Visitors can reserve everything from sports equipment, sewing machines, and musical instruments to board games, fidget toys, and digital tools. They can even access toys and tools specifically designed to support neurodiversity.
These offerings reflect a mission rooted in equality, exploration, and belonging. And they have expanded their vision of accessibility to include the freedom and opportunities that come with access to privacy.
To help realize that vision, the library turned to Framery as a way to provide shared, accessible, and self-managed privacy – like every other library resource. As a result, Kangasala Library is a modern public space built on accessibility, inclusion, and shared use.
“In a public library, things are meant to be shared and commonly used. Framery pods fit that idea perfectly.”
Suvi Levonen
Information Specialist at Kangasala Library
The demand for privacy in the public sector
Today’s public spaces serve more people — and more purposes — than ever before. Our hybrid lifestyle has increased the time we spend on calls and online, and changed the way we connect when we get together.
It’s also shifted our requirements for privacy in public spaces. Framery smart pods offer a low-barrier, self-managed way to create private space that remains open, unbooked, and accessible to everyone.
“People have different needs and expectations. Some want to read in a quiet place, and some want to talk and meet with friends.”
That’s why public schools, universities, and even small town libraries are turning to Framery smart pods as a way to add purpose-built spaces for an evolving and diverse set of needs.
Smart privacy solutions for public needs
Designed to bring flexible, soundproof privacy into shared environments, Framery smart pods are an ideal solution for public spaces. They offer a way to support focused work, private conversation, and moments of calm without disrupting others or requiring complicated booking systems.
“Where else can you be in the middle of a public place and not be overheard?”
How do smart pods and soundproof spaces improve library environments?
- Enhance concentration: Quiet, enclosed spaces help students and visitors focus in otherwise noisy areas.
- Protect privacy: Users can hold confidential conversations or online meetings without being overheard.
- Support collaboration: Small groups can work together without disturbing others nearby.
- Encourage inclusivity: Intuitive, accessible design ensures everyone — from children to seniors — can use the pods independently.
- Increase space efficiency: Libraries can host multiple activities — study, calls, collaboration — within the same floor plan.
- Reduce noise pollution: Improved acoustics create a calmer, more welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.
- Simplify space management: Smart booking and occupancy data help staff manage usage fairly and efficiently.
Equitable privacy for Kangasala Library
As a public institution, Kangasala Library is responsible for serving a wide range of needs, from teens doing homework to social workers meeting with clients. Like most libraries, its open floor plan is welcoming to all, but leaves little room for private, focused interaction.
Operating on public funding and a limited budget, Kangasala Library chose Framery as a modular way to create access to privacy without redesigning the floor plan. This allowed them to reduce overall noise and offer equitable space for conversations and meetings in a private, unsupervised environment.
“We need to spend public money carefully. If something isn’t needed or doesn’t deliver, it’s money not well spent.”
The ability to access privacy has a meaningful impact on the library visitors. It also keeps Kangasala Library aligned with the Finnish Public Libraries Act – providing “premises for learning, recreational activities, working, and civic activities,” and promoting “equal opportunities for lifelong learning and competence development.”
Better privacy for all
From libraries to schools to transportation hubs, Framery helps public spaces do more with less. More than just a soundproof box, they support individual privacy, hybrid learning, civic service, and neurodiversity in shared-use settings.
The world-class soundproofing and advanced capabilities help public spaces like Kangasala Library offer shared privacy that serves real needs, meets civic mandates, and respects public budgets.
“Framery pods don’t just improve our library—they support our mission for accessibility and equity.”
It’s a great example of how soundproof pods can amplify accessibility and improve inclusion in the public sector — without added complexity or unnecessary renovations.
Kangasala Library is a public cultural cornerstone in southern Finland, offering inclusive access to learning, creativity, and community. The library provides dozens of distinct spaces such as quiet reading rooms, gaming areas, art galleries, and event spaces. Every visitor can find what they need in an environment designed for all.
4
Regional branches
34,000+
Residents served
∼670,000
Loans annually
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