Opinmäki ABC
Opinmäki library in Espoo is lucky to be located in the same building as the Espoo International School. Every weekday the library is brimming with students, busy with work and fun. You can hear countless languages spoken in the library but as the school uses English, the collection has a large amount of titles in English. The students have become pros in using the library and the HelMet-collection. They are also eager participants in the activities and events at the library.
HelMet.fi asked them for tips on using the library. The list included everything from building dens to holding a meeting.
Here's a list of things we found useful:
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Use the library when it suits you! Self-service libraries allow access from dusk to dawn. For example, Opinmäki is open every day from 7am to 10pm.
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Reserve books online! Ask the librarian to help you to get those books you couldn’t find on the shelves. You have the entire Helmet-collection waiting, all you have to do is ask. The Pocket Library app guarantees easy access to your details and reservations when you’re out and about.
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Get a card! If you've managed to dodge getting a library card, now is the time. Or if you are already a proud member, tell your partner, neighbour and the bus driver that it's all free and so easy. All you need to do is go to your nearest HelMet-library with a picture ID. If you want to speed up the process, fill in a pre-registration form online. For those under 15, there is a printable form to fill in.
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Use the e-library! Enjoy the 6000 odd magazines and newspapers, learn a new language or listen to music. All this and much more can be accessed with your magic card.
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Go to Paja! Explore all the possibilities Pajas, or Makerspaces offer. They are creative spaces filled with the latest technology and ideas. The contents and gadgets vary between the libraries. For example, the Opinmäki Paja offers 3D printers, a vinyl cuttter, a sewing machine and various other tools and it's open late on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Opinmäki customers know their library and own the place. One 9-year old customer created
this video to share her view of the place.