Located next to Kallio library, it is clear where the bar Sivukirjasto gets its name – kirjasto meaning library in Finnish. I have heard that some new customers have actually confused the two and gone to the real library looking for beer.

Bars and cafes are often described as the living rooms of locals and I don’t think it’s an exaggeration at all to use this description for Sivukirjasto. Even though Sivukirjasto is usually quite busy and crowded, especially during weekends, the atmosphere is mostly relaxed.

Sivukirjasto has a nice selection of beers, often including local specialties like sahti, a traditional Finnish beer-like drink, and nice offers of wine. They have also a wide range of board games, which makes Sivukirjasto a really nice place to spend time with friends. They also serve some bar snacks, a treat which is unfortunately quite rare in Finnish bars but makes a long evening a lot nicer.

Sivukirjasto has also a nice, sunny terrace during summer, a perfect place to spend summer evenings watching the lively parks around.