The name of Lahti’s new mobile library is Saaga

The name of Lahti’s new mobile library could be suggested online and, in all libraries, and in the current mobile library, by using a paper form. Even for the previous mobile libraries in Lahti, municipal residents have been asked for name suggestions, but now the topic was communicated more diversely than before also in the library’s social media channels and extensively involving municipal residents.

– We received a lot of great name suggestions across multiple channels and widely from different age groups. It has been great to involve municipal residents of different ages, says Nora Nordman, library service coordinator responsible for the Lahti City library services communication.

A record number of name suggestions were achieved, as names were given almost five hundred. Among the suggestions there were names of persons, animals, mythical characters, names referring to literature and persons who had an influenced in the Lahti area.

From among the name suggestions, the clear and beautiful Saaga was chosen as the name of the new mobile library. Along with many quality words, the nominators listed as ground arguments a strong connection to literature and especially to the endless continuum of stories and narratives that the library service offers. In addition, the name harmonizes brilliantly with the previous mobile libraries Pegasos and Eepos and thus continues the saga of Lahti’s mobile libraries characteristics.

Saga is etymologically connected to the names Satu and Taru, which were also among the given name suggestions. The Saga’s name day is celebrated on October 17.

–  Our previous mobile libraries Eepos and Pegasos took us to the literary world of antiquity. The new mobile library Saaga continues the same line, brings us closer to the North and brings Scandinavian fairy tales to our minds, says Johanna Mattila, the service manager responsible for the mobile library.

– The new mobile library brings both new and old stories from around Lahti for the citizens to read and experience. That’s why the name was the right choice, says Mattila.

Saaga, which serves the Lahti region, is scheduled to start its route in 2024. Until then, the preceding bus Pegasos will be driving the routes.

A raffle was held among those who submitted the name suggestions, where the prize is sustainable products in accordance with the principles of the Lahti library. The winners will be contacted personally.

The name selection process was presented to the welfare and leisure board on August 14, 2024.