The opportunities for city residents to use library services on their own outside of the actual opening hours of libraries will increase in 2025: the self-service hours of Helsinki's self-service libraries will be extended so that their services can be accessed daily at least from 7:00 to 20:00. The new self-service opening hours will enter into effect on 1 February 2025.
The number of self-service libraries is also being gradually increased, with the first new addition being Jakomäki Library as of 1 February 2025. The other currently operating self-service libraries in Helsinki are the Herttoniemi, Laajasalo, Lauttasaari, Myllypuro, Paloheinä, Suomenlinna and Viikki libraries.
During self-service hours, no members of the staff are present at the libraries. Instead, customers can access the libraries with their own Helmet library card and PIN code. You can register as a self-service user at any Helmet library during customer service hours.
During the self-service hours, you can borrow and return materials, pick up your reserved books from the self-service shelf, read magazines, study and use the customer computers. Self-service hours are not aimed at substituting for or reducing the customer service hours of libraries. Instead, the aim is to provide access to library facilities and collections outside of normal opening hours.
– The library is a pioneer in providing people with access to public spaces for independent use. The idea of self-service libraries is based on strong trust in city residents. Libraries are shared places for everyone, and each self-service user is, in their part, responsible for the cleanliness and pleasantness of libraries, says Director of Area Library Services Saara Ihamäki.
Libraries do not maintain any on-call contact channels during self-service hours. In the event of any problems, please contact the library in question during customer service hours.
