In a unique artistic intervention, Finnish artist Riiko Sakkinen has hidden a total of 1000 euros in five-euro banknotes within freely borrowable red books in Oulu's Central Library Saaressa. This initiative, part of his 'Red Books' project, seeks to attract visitors to the library, especially those who may not frequent such spaces, thereby fostering a greater appreciation for libraries. Each banknote is stamped, numbered, and signed by the artist, adding a layer of collectibility to the endeavor.

Sakkinen has expressed his desire for libraries to serve as a utopian model of society—spaces that are free to access and filled with knowledge and community interaction. He spent three hours at the library covertly placing the money, emphasizing the importance of drawing attention not merely to the financial incentive but to the rich resources libraries offer. The initiative is also part of the official program for Oulu's designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2026, tying cultural advocacy with tangible actions.

The hidden money is intended to spark curiosity and dialogue among library goers, as Sakkinen aims to inspire a connection between the act of visiting libraries and the broader ideals of community, information sharing, and mutual support. This project is a bold statement on the value of libraries in contemporary society and the necessity to keep these spaces vibrant and relevant, especially in the digital age.