Tampere and Jyväskylä to pilot national model to measure libraries' impact on children's reading

Tampere and Jyväskylä have launched a joint project to develop a national model for evaluating public libraries' literacy work, with school groups selected in autumn 2026 and the pilot running until 30 November 2027. The work complements the new Lukeva Tampere reading programme launched this week, the City of Tampere says.

Called Motia, jaksua ja aikaa, the project aims to introduce clearer goals, measurable indicators and long-term follow-up to libraries' activities supporting children's and young people's reading. Project planner Mervi Hietanen says libraries in both cities already cooperate closely with early childhood education, schools and other institutions, but have struggled to demonstrate the effects of their activities on reading skills and motivation. The project will produce shared tools and evaluation practices that libraries can continue to use after it ends.

During the 2026 to 2027 school year selected classes will have their reading baseline mapped and take part in library-led experiments and activities. They will then be assessed for changes in reading skills, attitudes and library use. The project emphasises young people's own experiences and uses service design methods to develop activities together with pupils, teachers and library professionals.

Partners include Tampere City Library, Jyväskylä City Library, basic education authorities, ERTE Seinäjoen, Sanataideyhdistys Yöstäjä and Sanataidekoulu Rapina.