Libraries in Helsinki

Lead-in paragraph

Helsinki City Library works in close cooperation with the City Libraries of Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa. The same library card is accepted at all the libraries and, together, they boast a collection of around three million works. You can check out materials from any of the Helmet libraries.

Content cannot be displayed

Table of contents requires JavaScript. Your browser doesn't support JavaScript or it is disabled. Please check your browser settings and try again.

Libraries in Helsinki

A library is a house of knowledge and stories that is open to all, allowing you to borrow materials such as books, magazines, films, music, sports equipment, e-books, audiobooks and e-zines. You can enjoy these free of charge either at the comfortable library facilities or by checking the works out and taking them home with you. Libraries provide customers with computers to use and facilities to book. Libraries are also venues for many events.

In Helsinki, the library is always close to you, as the city has a total of 38 libraries, as well as two mobile libraries. In addition, library services are available at five different service centres. Clients of home services can enjoy works to read delivered to their homes.

For more information on using a library, library cards, library services and events, please visit the Helmet web library(Link leads to external service), which also gives you tips on what to read next and shares the latest related news. You can use the online library to search for materials, make reservations and renew loans, pay library fees, ask for advice via a chat service and update your customer information.

You can find information about the organization of the Helsinki City Library on Introduction to the Culture and Leisure division website.

Helsinki libraries on a map

Find your local library!

The embedded map shows the City of Helsinki’s libraries. - Open larger map

Information about libraries

Find out more about the wide range of library services available.

As a customer of a Helmet library, you have access to digital materials such as e-books, electronic audiobooks, e-zines, music services and online courses, all free of charge. The e-library is always with you, wherever you are. However, Finnish electronic newspapers can only be accessed from within a library building.

You can use the group facilities in a library to work or hold a meeting, for example. The library also has rooms for playing instruments, as well as studio facilities. These can be used for recording music, taking photographs and editing videos, for example.

Library facilities can be booked via the Varaamo service. Some facilities are free of charge, while others are subject to a fee. Varaamo has up-to-date information about the size and technical equipment of the facilities and their price lists.

Visit Varaamo website.(Link leads to external service)

In addition to books and magazines, the library offers a range of equipment. You can check out games, instruments, tools and sports equipment, among other items.

The library also features various machines and devices that customers may use at the library. These include, for example, a sewing machine and a serger, a 3D printer and a laser cutter.

You can organise events and exhibitions at libraries. Central Library Oodi offers the rental facilities Maijansali Hall and Kino Regina, which are well-suited even to larger public events. Nearly all the libraries host changing exhibitions. More information on organising your own exhibition is available directly from the personnel of your local library.(Link leads to external service) For more information on the event venues and spaces available for booking, please visit the Varaamo service.(Link leads to external service) Libraries hold many events in cooperation with different partners. Don’t hesitate to contact your local library if you have an idea about an event that would be suited to a library.

Do you need help using different devices, programs and online services?

Digital support is available at every library. Digital support is available either upon request or at specific events held for this purpose.

You can look for a digital support event in the event calendar of the Helmet web library.(Link leads to external service)
You can also book a free-of-charge private digital training session at Helsinki libraries offering this service.(Link leads to external service)
Enter ry organises peer guidance intended for seniors.(Link leads to external service) (in Finnish)

If visiting the library in person is difficult for you, you can apply for a flexi customer account. This allows you to authorise a friend, a relative or another loved one to use the library services on your behalf.

If your health prevents you from visiting the library, you can get the items you have loaned out delivered to your home free of charge. Ask for more information from the library’s home services by phone 09 3108 5214 (Mon–Fri 12–15) or by e-mail kotikirjasto@hel.fi(Link opens default mail program).