The libraries offer not only materials but also equipment, item and premises services. At a library, you can hold an event or meeting, work remotely, study and be creative.
Customer computers
You can use customer computers at all Helmet libraries. Computers are available in open spaces, and some of the libraries also offer them in laptop cabinets or workspaces available by reservation. The staff can assist you in using the computers if needed. See the ‘Services’ section for more information about digital support.
In Espoo and Vantaa, you can use customer computers without a reservation. Most of the libraries in Helsinki also allow you to use computers without a reservation. In Helsinki, there are a few workspaces available for reservation that are equipped with a customer computer. The City of Helsinki’s facility booking system is currently being replaced, and the service is temporarily available at tilavaraus.hel.fi.
Always keep data security in mind when browsing the internet! More instructions are available on the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom’s website, for example. See also rules for the use of customer computers.
Printing, copying and scanning at Helmet libraries
You can use printers, photocopiers and scanners at Helmet libraries. More information is available on the Customer computers and printing page.
Booking spaces at Helmet libraries
If you need a quiet space for work or study, book a space in advance. The booking practices differ depending on the city.
In Espoo, you can book facilities via the City of Espoo’s Varaamo service. The City of Helsinki’s Varaamo service is used in Helsinki. As the system is currently being replaced, facility booking temporarily operates at tilavaraus.hel.fi. The City of Vantaa’s Timmi service is used in Vantaa. There are no bookable spaces at Kauniainen Library.
The libraries offer spaces of various sizes. The equipment in the rooms varies. You can find descriptions of each space in the facility booking systems.
Event spaces
The event space booking practices vary depending on the Helmet city.
In Espoo, you can book the libraries’ event spaces by filling in an application form.
The information on the event spaces of Helsinki’s libraries is available on each library’s respective website and the Varaamo service at tilavaraus.hel.fi.
See the opportunities offered at Vantaa City Library’s locations on each library’s respective websites.
At Kauniainen City Library, you can hold a small-scale event in the library hall. Contact the library by email at kirjasto@kauniainen.fi
Tip: consider your event’s technical requirements in advance. A spoken event requires less technology than a music event. Do you also need a monitor or projection screen for your event? A well-prepared event plan will help you find a suitable space more quickly. You can find information on the equipment of each space via the booking systems or by asking the library.
Exhibition spaces
You can hold exhibitions at Helmet libraries. In Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa, you can arrange an exhibition by contacting the library offering the exhibition space. An information page has been compiled about the exhibition spaces of Helsinki’s libraries.
Items available for loan
You can borrow items and devices that you do not need every day from libraries. The items available include things such as drills, tennis rackets, skates, headphones, skis, heart rate monitors and musical instruments. You can find the items available for loan via the Helmet search. The range of items available varies depending on the library. You must return the items to the same library from which you borrowed them and the collections of which they belong to. You cannot reserve items.
You can find up-to-date information on the items in the Helmet library collections via the Helmet search: Items in the Helmet search
You can also find outdoor games through the search. You can find information about the sports equipment that can be borrowed from the Vantaa library on the website of the city of Vantaa. The libraries in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area have two cargo bikes available for loan.
Is there an item that you wish were available for loan? You can also submit an acquisition request for an item!
Borrowing cargo bikes
The cargo bikes available for loan from the Helmet libraries are located at Sello Library and Vallila Library.
The cargo bike of Sello Library is intended for transporting items or children. A lock and an extra cable are always lent out with the bike. The bike’s accessories include a detachable front box, two different rain covers and a pump. The bike features a fixed seatbelt for transporting children. You can book the bike via Espoo’s Varaamo service. Check the availability information and instructions via Varaamo.
You can borrow the cargo bike of Vallila Library if you are over the age of 18 and have Helmet library borrowing rights. You do not need to bring a physical library card. Bring your ID. The library will draw up a written loan agreement with you.
You cannot request either cargo bike to be delivered to another library for your use.
Makerspaces and Värkkäämö at Helmet libraries
Would you like to repair your favourite pair of jeans or sew curtains? Do you need a spare part for a broken toy?
Come to the library to make, repair and print things! Library makerspaces offer a wide range of local opportunities to engage in activities and hobbies. The Helmet libraries are open to everyone, regardless of where they live. Use the acquisition request form to suggest a new service!
The Helmet libraries feature a total of 12 makerspaces. See each library’s website for more detailed information:
Espoo
- Entresse Makerspace
- Iso Omena kirjaston Makerspace
- Lippulaiva Makerspace
- Sello Makerspace
- Tapiola Makerspace
Helsinki
Vantaa
Music rooms and musical instruments at libraries
Are you interested in practising singing or playing an instrument, recording a demo or arranging a small-scale gig for your band, for example?
The Helmet libraries offer a wide range of high-quality services for music enthusiasts and professionals.
You can find more information on the ‘Music’ page.
Do you wish you had access to a musical instrument? You can also submit an acquisition request for a musical instrument.
Gaming, games and gaming spaces at the Helmet libraries
Your library offers games and gaming activities for beginners and active gamers alike.
The console games and computers for gaming are often located in the children’s and young adults’ sections. Gaming services are also available for adult gamers. You can find the gaming spaces in the facility booking systems.
Gaming is a social activity that causes noise. Larger libraries offer meeting spaces for gaming enthusiasts. The group work and meeting spaces of libraries may also be suitable for use by gamer groups. You can find detailed information on each space in each library’s booking system and on their websites.
Gaming on customer computers is allowed. Check the instructions provided by your library and keep in mind that the library staff monitor compliance with age limits. Wear headphones when gaming. Game education is part of library professionals’ work, so we will remind you to take breaks and observe good gaming conduct.
You can check out console games. Select ‘Game’ in the Helmet search to get a convenient list of the console games. Link to the game search.
Which games should the library have?
Are we missing an essential game? The Helmet library welcomes tips and requests for games of all kinds. You can express your wishes directly to the library staff or submit an acquisition request online.
Board games
The Helmet libraries’ collections include games for children and families. More complex games are also available for game enthusiasts. Some libraries offer club activities focused on board games, as well as occasional board game events. To see what events are available, go to the ‘Events’ page and click ‘Games’.
Link to the board game search.
In addition to offering games that you can check out, the libraries have board games that you can play at the library. Chess is so popular that larger libraries have several chess sets available!
Role-playing games – improvised journeys into the imagination
The Helmet library has invested in role-playing games. In addition to role-playing games, the library has rule books and game expansions available for loan. The collection includes games for fans of traditional tabletop role-playing games as well as larpers.
See the‘Events’ page for role-playing clubs suitable for beginners. They will help you get started with this activity. Role-playing clubs also offer interesting games for veteran role-players.
Games for the yard and park
You can also check out outdoor games from libraries. Challenge your friends to a croquet or mölkky tournament at the park, on the beach or in the library’s yard, for example. You can also juggle with a borrowed footbag or diabolo. Do you only play occasionally? You can borrow a tennis racket or football from the library. This way, you do not have to worry about where to store your equipment.