We need to talk about the Oslo Public Library, Deichman bibliotek. The institution has been around since 1785, but her most recent building opened in 2020 and oh my god it’s the most amazing library in the world. Picture five floors of biblio bliss with views of Oslofjord and the city. Every floor has bathrooms and water stations and scores of places to snuggle into for reading, researching, working, napping, or eating lunch. Yup, you can have food and drink with you, some tables even have high chairs. Click here for more pics.

You’ll find so much more than books; like most contemporary libraries they have the whole gamut of tools and objects: 3D printers, sewing machines, fishing supplies; not only is there a very cool gift shop, but a huge corner of the second floor is a bar. There’s an indoor balcony with practically a whole symphony of electric musical instruments you can play; it’s right next to a whole section of librettos and song books. Small screening rooms are tucked away between bigger reading rooms and quiet study nooks. Art is everywhere, including a 5-screen animation by artist Simone Hooyman called “Talking Plants.”

The whole place is amazing and if I ever go missing, this library is the first place you should look for me; but good luck with that— there are heaps of little corners to tuck into while transporting myself to another world,. 

Let me tell you about the best bubble I found there:

a nook crammed with  blank journals for the world to fill in, dozens of them and not just for the kiddos. The one entitled “circles,” was full of, you guessed it, circles. One crowd-sourced thought-provoking questions, while another sought life advice. 

This last one had had plenty of the expected counsel along the lines of enjoy life more, act with empathy, don’t worry about what other people think, etc BUT here are some choice tid-bits I’d like to share with you:

• Fart in uncomfortable situations

• Hug more, tell people you love them, give less fucks, and eat ice cream

• Don’t eat poisen [sic]

• Say yes to the things you want and matter to you the most. Disregard what others have to say about it. Ignore the judgements, haters gonna hate right? Take chances but don’t be stupid. Enjoy the ride my friend, you’ve only got one. Gabriela, 23, Poland

• Dry your feet after showering so you don’t get mushrooms between your toes. Idun, 30 & Nina, 29

• Don’t pull all-nighters on a school week. Eline, 18

• When life goes against you just say “Oui Oui Baguette.”

• Make the effort to try a small new thing everyday. A new chocolate, a new path to school, a new way of drinking coffee. Rutine [sic] is tedious, but aiming for a new thing makes you aware you are alive. Silvia, 22, Mexico

• Travel as much as you can, talk to every stranger, learn from them. Try new things, try new food, fall in love: with others, with yourself. Enjoy the path! Marina

• Wash your ass.

The actual arting material on offer was less than desirable: one red marker, and a bunch of flat pencils but no sharpener. I’m not gonna get too fussy about it since my visit took place on Saturday of a 4-day holiday weekend, and I know how enthusiastic folks can get about art supplies, which is also why I carry my own everywhere I go. 

Anyways, don’t forget to wash your ass and wipe between your toes.

see you in a few days

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You can find my art here and here. I offer custom workshops and design. I am the proud guardian/custodian of a 16 year old cheeseburger named Patty.

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