Library/Museum

Written by Nancy Fors

The Library/Museum at the Finnish Center at Saima Park, Inc. opened in September 2014 in the Ravintola in the old kitchen space. Renovations had begin more than ten years earlier by Henry and June Flinkstrom, Ray Linnus, Erkki Tornikoski, Jim Daley and others to make space for a library/museum at Saima Park. However, for several reasons, the proposed library did not come to fruition at that time and instead the space was used for storage.

In 2013, Charlie Huse spearheaded a drive to complete the library project. Charlie was aided by Nancy Fors, Jonathan Ratila, Lorna Sulin and others who spend many months in 2013 and 2014 sorting through hundreds of donated books, art, and artifacts which were either retained, sold or donated. Frank Ruosteoja was instrumental in installing shelving and lighting as well as performing other carpentry work With Nancy and Denise Ducharme arranging the placement of furniture, artifacts and hanging the artwork, the library/museum was ready for opening on September 14, 2014, as the time of the annual Tori. Those who visited were pleasantly surprised and amazed at the transformation of a space once filled with a mishmash of storage boxes into an organized, functional and excellent display of Finnish literature and artistry.

The FCSP Library/Museum is open to members as well as the general public. The library houses books in both the English and Finnish languages. Hours of operation are during daytime FCSP events, or may by shown by appointment. The library may be used as both a research and lending library.

Books only may be lent out - no scrapbooks, photographs, magazines, newspapers, artifacts, etc. There is a $5.00 deposit for all books taken out, refundable at the time of return to the library. Book may be lent out for a period of one month. Call or email the contact person, Marian (June) Flinkstrom, to arrange a return time for borrowed books or to schedule an appointment to visit the library.

You can reach the Library/Museum by caling 978-874-2312 or by e-mail at mjfhaf@aol.com.