Are books being smuggled here? You could think so by the name, because Tornio’s new mobile library’s name, Kirjajoppari, has its roots in smuggling! “Joppari” is a word used in the Maanese language, which is spoken in the Tornionlaakso area, and literally means “smuggler”. This time, however, it’s not  about smuggling, other than the funny name, but a real and sparkling new mobile library!

Kirjajoppari was launched this fall, and it’s cheerful illustrations related to the home region have caught admiration. The star of Napa Agency, Riku Ounaslehto, illustrated Kirjajoppari’s surfaces, inspired by the nature and well-known landmarks of Tornio’s surroundings. Riku was the perfect person to capture the spirit of the city, as he himself has lived in Tornio and really knows its culture and people.

“The main part of the illustration are the people of Tornio city, the landmarks I became familiar with during my studies, nature and reading in its various forms. Landmarks include the salmon sculpture Kojamo, two impressive churches, the building of the Ainee Art Museum, where the main library is also located, and a piece of Haaparanta. The mobile library travels a lot in the countryside, to which a large part of the illustration is based on.”

– Riku Ounaslehto