Helsinki has 38 libraries and two mobile libraries, all of which warmly welcome student groups. On this page, you will find more information about the City’s library services for upper secondary education students.
Services for upper secondary education students
Funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Multilingual Library(Link leads to external service) contributes to the preservation of the home language of foreign-language speakers living in Finland. The Multilingual Library features books in roughly 80 languages for children, young people and adults. The collections also include music, films and magazines.
The collections of the Multilingual Library are on display in Pasila Library. You can also see the collections in the Helmet material database(Link leads to external service) by using the advanced search feature. Use the language selector in the advanced search to find materials in the language of your choice.
Book packages from the Multilingual Library: You can order a book package for your educational institution or group from the Multilingual Library. Please specify your desired language, materials and number of copies by sending a message to
monikielinen.kirjasto@hel.fi(Link opens default mail program). Let us also know which Helmet library you would like to pick up the book package from. The books in the book package can be borrowed with the teacher’s or the students’ Helmet library cards.
Accessibility Library Celia(Link leads to external service) is a state-owned specialised library that supports equality in reading and learning. The books of Celia are available to anyone who has difficulties with reading a normal book due to dyslexia, illness, injury or another reason.
In addition to fiction and non-fiction literature, Celia produces textbooks in an accessible format for general upper secondary school(Link leads to external service) and vocational studies(Link leads to external service), for example.
Students can register as customers of Celia at certain Helmet libraries. For a list of libraries that provide the registration service, see the
‘Libraries and opening hours’ page(Link leads to external service) on the Helmet online library website. In the ‘Search for a service’ menu, select ‘Registering as a Celia online customer’.
Teacher’s library card: You can get a teacher’s library card from any Helmet library to support your teaching. You will need to present an identification document with a photo when applying for the card. You can use your teacher’s card to borrow books for courses, for example, or for students who do not yet have their own library card. You must use your teacher’s library card appropriately and ensure that your loans are renewed and returned on time. However, you will not be personally responsible for the loans. Instead, you will act as a contact person in the event of problems. The teacher’s library card will be valid for one year at a time. You can renew your teacher’s card by presenting your identification document with a photo at the library.
Student’s library card: A student can acquire their first library card or a new card to replace a lost one when you visit the library. If several students would like to get their library card affairs in order at the same time, please inform the library that you are planning to visit about this in advance. This will allow us to reserve extra time and staff to make the cards. Students can speed up the card process in advance by registering as customers of the library(Link leads to external service).
To acquire a library card, a student who has already turned 18 must present an identification document with a photo. Persons under the age of 18 can also prove their identity with a Kela card without a photo. A picture of the ID is not enough. We also check the identity documents of students who have registered in advance or who are being issued a new card to replace a lost one.
Helmet.fi is the joint online library service of the Helmet region. You can use the online library to renew your loans, make reservations, learn about events at libraries and read library news and recommendations, for example. These instructional videos will show you how to use the Helmet online library:
Using the search function in Helmet Online Library(Link leads to external service)
Placing and freezing a hold in Helmet Online Library(Link leads to external service)
Editing your information in Helmet Online Library(Link leads to external service)