Press Releases

13 November 2025.

The library is just dusty old books. Or? No, the library is also a place where everyone has the right to think freely, express their opinions and take part in different perspectives. Through the campaign The Word is Free, the libraries in Norrbotten, Västerbotten and Västernorrland want to highlight the democratic mission of libraries. Something that is stipulated in the Library Act.

An obvious part of a functioning democracy is the opportunity to seek knowledge, form one's own opinion and encounter ideas other than one's own. Therefore, libraries want to remind us of their role as an open and safe place for everyone, regardless of background or opinion.

During the campaign period, November 17 to December 14, the population of northern Sweden will encounter messages that challenge and provoke thought in both advertisements, at libraries and on the campaign website ordetärfritt.nu. The aim is to start conversations about freedom of expression, tolerance and the courage to listen to each other.

- With the campaign we want to arouse curiosity and conversation, as libraries are a place where many different perspectives and opinions can exist. Democracy and free opinion formation are a central part of the libraries' mission, something we need to highlight more often, says Oskar Nordström, operations manager of Boden City Library.

Continuing education for library staff
As part of the initiative, further training is also being carried out for all library staff in the three regions. Through joint training efforts, the role of libraries as a hub for democracy, conversation and learning is strengthened.

Regional cooperation for stronger impact
The Norrbotten Region has previously collaborated with the northern counties in projects such as the Library in Emergency Situations and Democratic Libraries.

- The initiative The Word is Free was developed by Region Norrbotten and we then invited Västerbotten and Västernorrland, says Maria Öman, library developer at Regional Library Norrbotten.

By coming together and making a joint effort, more people are reached, the regions can share experiences and strengthen libraries as institutions that support society.

Facts

In the Norrbotten Region there are 14 municipalities, 39 public library units and 150 library staff.
Population: 248,000.

In Region Västerbotten there are 15 municipalities, 45 public library units and 220 library staff.
Population: 248,000.

In Region Västernorrland there are 7 municipalities, 34 public library units and 150 library staff.
Population: 248,000.

Contact:
Oscar Nordstrom
Operations Manager Boden City Library
0921-629 01
oskar.nordstrom@boden.se

Maria Öman
Library Developer
072-223 22 57
maria.e.oman@norrbotten.se

Linda Kvenås
Communications officer
076-539 33 23
linda.kvenas@norrbotten.se