Self-service libraries

You can visit some libraries even when there is no staff present. These libraries are called self-service libraries.

Helmet libraries is the collective name for the libraries of Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen.

How a self-service library works

At a self-service library, you can borrow and return books. You can also use computers, read newspapers and magazines, work, and hold meetings. The libraries have a wireless network.

You can also use self-service libraries outside the library’s normal opening hours.

You can check the self-service hours on the library’s website. You can also check when there is staff present.

Before you can use self-service libraries, you must register as a user and accept the self-service library rules.

You can access a self-service library using your library card and PIN code. The staff will give you the PIN code.

When there is no staff present at the library, the premises are monitored by camera surveillance.

Registering as a self-service library customer

You must be at least 15 years old to register as a self-service library user. You can register at any Helmet library. The library staff will help you with the registration.

As a registered user, you can use any self-service library in the Helmet area.

How to register

Bring your library card and a photo ID with you. On the identity cards webpage, you can check which identity cards are accepted.
The staff asks you to read the self-service library rules. By signing the rules, you accept them. You can take the signed rules home with you.
The library employee enters your name in the library database.
Read the emergency instructions of the library you use. They are available at the library.
You can now start using the self-service library.

Use of self-service libraries for children under 15

Children under the age of 15 may use the self-service library independently with the written consent of their guardian. To give consent, the guardian must visit the library when there is staff present.

Giving consent

To give consent, the guardian must visit the library. We also hope that the child to whom consent is given comes along.
The library employee checks the library card of the child. The guardian must show a photo ID. On the identity cards webpage, you can check which identity cards are accepted.
The guardian and the child read the self-service library rules. If the child is not present, the guardian will read the rules with the child later. If the child is present, the child signs the rules.
The guardian also signs the rules. The guardian has now given consent for the child to use the self-service library. The guardian and the child take the signed self-service library rules home with them.
The library employee enters the child’s name in the library database.
It is recommended that users read the library’s emergency instructions, which are available at the library.
The child can now start using the self-service library.

A guardian can also withdraw their consent.

To withdraw their consent, the guardian must visit the library, where a staff member will help them with the process.

If the child is not allowed to use the self-service library alone, they may visit the library accompanied by an adult.

The adult ensures that the child follows the library rules.

Self-service library rules

Helmet libraries have common self-service library rules as of 1 November 2023.

Rules as of 1 November 2023

Self-service library rules

If you break the rules

If you break the library rules or the law, your right to use the library may be suspended for a maximum period of 30 days.

The suspension may apply to all library use or be limited to self-service use.