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.
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.
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

1. What is a self-service library?

A self-service library refers to a library that you can use even when there is no staff present. Libraries set their own self-service hours.

2. What can I do during self-service hours?

During self-service hours, you can borrow and return items, pick up items you have reserved, read newspapers and magazines, study, work and spend time at the library.

You have access to the library collections, wireless network, and library premises (to the extent defined by the library). Other services, such as customer computers, may also be available.

3. What can I not do during self-service hours?

During self-service hours, you cannot use services that require the presence of library staff.

During self-service hours, you cannot organise public meetings or events as referred to in the Assembly Act (530/1999) unless these have been separately agreed upon with the library.

4. Registering as a self-service library customer

To become a self-service library customer, you must have a valid Helmet library card that includes the right to use the self-service library.

You must be at least 15 years old to register as a self-service library user. A guardian or another legal representative may grant a child under 15 years of age permission to use the self-service library independently by giving their consent in writing.

To register as a self-service library customer or give your consent for a child aged under 15 to use the self-service library, you must visit a Helmet library in person. You can also withdraw your consent in the same way.

5. Logging in

During self-service hours, you can access the library using your library card and PIN code. Each customer must log in by using their own library card. When you enter the library during self-service hours, you must ensure that no one else enters the library at the same time. However, children under the age of 15 may visit the library with an adult and use the self-service library under the responsibility of the adult.

6. Responsibilities and obligations

Each customer is obliged to promote the cleanliness, comfort and safety of the library premises.

According to the Public Libraries Act (1492/2016), library users must behave in an appropriate manner in libraries and handle the library’s materials and other property with care. The library is a public place where the Public Order Act (612/2003) must be observed. Under the Public Order Act, the following activities, among others, are prohibited in a library:

use of intoxicating substances
making noise or causing other disturbance
threatening behaviour towards others, both physical and verbal.

The customer is liable for any damage they cause. The user regulations of Helmet libraries, the Public Libraries Act (1492/2016) and the Tort Liability Act (412/1974) apply to cases where damage has occurred.

The customer is responsible for the materials registered to their library card. If you experience problems with borrowing or returning items, you must contact the staff without undue delay to solve the issues.

You must leave the library premises without delay at the end of self-service hours and when the library closes. Staying on the premises will trigger an alarm. The library will charge the customer for the costs of the alarm.

7. Suspension of library privileges

If you breach the library rules or the Public Order Act during self-service hours, 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, depending on the extent or nature of the breach.

8. Surveillance and security of premises

The library premises are equipped with access control and camera surveillance systems. The access control and camera surveillance recordings constitute a personal data register as defined in the Data Protection Act (1050/2018). The registers are city-specific and the related up-to-date privacy notices are available on the cities’ websites.

9. Emergencies

Emergency instructions, including information on exit routes, are available on the library premises. Customers should read the instructions.

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.