Library on wheels

The library system HelMet in the capital area works flawlessly and is just really good both in terms of service and selection. But there is even more to it than just the normal libraries. Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa also have their own mobile libraries.

Big busses filled with books drive through the cities and stop at several destinations every day to make the library service even more accessable. You can just come here and browse through the books or even reserve your book to be brought to your neighborhood by bus.

For the schedule and all stops check out the timetable of the library busses in Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa.

Borrow, don’t buy

The capital region has an amazing public library system. The city libraries from Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa are all part of HelMet (Helsinki Metropolitan Area Libraries).

On the HelMet website you find a huge catalogue of all the items in all the libraries attached to it. Just order it online and it will be brought to your closest library where you can pick it up a few days later.

Each library has also a wide selection of English and international book as well as CDs and DVDs.

You can get your library card for free at any HelMet library. Even if you are not a citizen of Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen or Vantaa you can get a free card valid for half a year that can be extended after that.

In the library

The new University Library was finished in 2012. Its glass front and its open floors make it an interesting building. Here are some impressions from the so called Kaisa House.

To check their database click on their website.

The new University Library building

After years of work and an ugly construction site at Kaisaniemi the new library building of the University of Helsinki has finally been revealed. The new Kaisa House has a pretty astonishing architecture and fits very well between its surrounding buildings. The big glass front ensures a lot of natural light inside and gives the library a unique look. Go and take a look!

Unfortunately due to moving the City Centre Campus Library many of the libraries will be close for several weeks.