WORKS COMPLETED

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The Finnish Committee for the Restoration of the Library was established under the initiative of Elissa Aalto and the Finnish Ministry of the Environment. A similar Committee was established in Russia. An international fund-raising campaign was initiated.

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A preservation plan was begun and the most urgent repairs were made. The Friends of the Viipuri Library was established.

1 9 9 4

Emergency repairs were made including external drainage and sewage system repairs. Conservation and restoration of the great glass wall adjacent to the main entrance (completed 1996). Viipuri Library exhibition began an international tour.

Glass Wall

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General principles and overall design for the restoration were established. Emergency repairs made for the continuous functioning of the library.

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Restoration of the small roof terrace by the Reading Hall, which also served as a pilot project for the restoration of all the roof terraces.

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Renovation of the former caretaker's apartment begun as a case study project for the Library’s overall restoration (completed 2000).
The Finnish Committee for the Restoration of Viipuri Library was registered as a charitable society. It is the responsible planner and designer of restoration of the Library building.

1 9 9 8

A ten square meter prototype of the Lecture Hall’s undulating ceiling was installed.

1 9 9 9

The Lecture Hall Wing roof repair begun (completed 2001; financed by the Finnish Ministries of Education and of Environment).
A Getty Foundation grant funded:
- research on the cast concrete structures;
- restoration design of the Reading and Lending Hall roofs, including the skylights;
- documentation and measured drawings of the entire building;
- training and education program.

Lecture Hall Wing Roof

2 0 0 0

Repair of the Children's Library entrance roof completed, financed by the Russian partner. Heating system of the Lecture Hall Wing renewed by the Russian partner. Restoration design of the Reading and Lending Hall roofs (including the skylights) continues.

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Repair of the Lending Hall terrace staircase financed by Foundation for Swedish Culture in Finland.
Conservation of the Periodicals' reading room entrance doors financed by the Russian partner.
Publication of the Getty Grant Report.

Terrace Staircase

Children's library

2 0 0 2

Repair of the Lending Hall roof completed and the Reading Hall roof repair begun, financed by World Monuments Fund Robert Wilson Challenge to Conserve Our Heritage.
Restoration of the Lecture Hall window frames financed by the Russian partner (completed 2008). Conservation and restoration of the Children's Library entrance doors financed by the Russian partner.

Lecture hall window

2 0 0 3

The roof repair of the Reading Hall, the main entrance and the Lending Hall terrace completed.
Continuation of the restoration of the Lecture Hall window and of the Children’s Library entrance doors.

Skylights

2004 - 2005

Restoration of the Periodicals reading room, financed by Russian Federation and the entrance of the Cildren's library, financed by Helkama Forste and City of Vyborg. The Friends of Viipuri Library united to the Finnish Committee for the Restoration of Viipuri Library on 13th December 2004.

Children's library

Periodicals Reading Room

2005

The 70th Anniversary of the Library on 13th October 2005. An international campaign for Aalto furniture for the Lecture Hall organised during the year in co-operation with ARTEK and Furniture Manufacturer Korhonen.

2006-2009

Restoration of the Lecture Hall financed by Finnish and international, mainly Swedish, contributions and with funds of the City of Vyborg.

Lecture hall ceiling

2009 - 2010

Restoration of the Lecture Hall completed. Restoration of the adjoining corridor and the entrance hall with funds of the City of Vyborg. Internet corner moved in the restored part of the lobby.