Self-service libraries

What is a self-service library?

A self-service library is a library that you can use even if the staff is not present, for example in the evening and on weekends.  During self-service hours, the library doors open with a PIKI library card and its PIN code.

During the self-service hours, you can lend and return items, pick up your reserved items and use the library premises for reading, studying and working. The library’s customer computers, printer and wireless network are also available.

You are prohibited from organizing public meetings or events due to the Assembly Act (530/1999) during the self-service hours.

During self-service hours, you cannot use services that require the presence of the library staff. These services include, for example, paying fees or obtaining a library card.

If you experience problems with loaning or returning items, you must contact the staff without undue delay to solve the issues. Until then, you are responsible for the materials registered on your library card. 

Register as a self-service library customer

Starting from 1 September, 2025, Tampere City Library's self-service libraries can only be used during self-service hours by registered customers. During service hours, when the doors are open and staff is present, the library can still be used without registration.

• If you are 15 years old or older and have a PIKI library card, you can register as a self-service library user online (form below on this page) or at any Tampere library during customer service hours.
• By registering, you will gain access to all self-service libraries in Tampere.
• You must accept the self-service library usage rules when registering. If you register at the library in person, bring your library card and a photo ID.
• If you register online, access to self-service libraries will be granted once the form has been processed. If your customer information includes an email address, you will receive a message when the registration is active. The form is typically processed within 24 hours. If you register at a customer service, access to the self-service library is generally granted immediately.

The use of self-service libraries and children under the age of 15

A child under the age of 15 cannot independently register as a self-service library user. The child's guardian or another legal representative can give consent for the child under 15 to use the self-service library independently.

• Consent is given online or at the library during customer service hours.
• Self-service registration for a child can only be completed by a person listed as their guardian in the library system. You can check your dependants by visiting the library or contacting the library by phone or email.
• If consent is given at the library in person, we recommend that both the consent giver, i.e., the guardian, and the user, i.e., the child under 15, be present. At a minimum, the guardian must be present.
• Bring the child's library card and the guardian's photo ID.
• The staff will ask both to read through the self-service library rules. If the child is not present when consent is given, the guardian is responsible for going through the rules with the child later. The child accepts the rules with a signature if they are present. The guardian gives the child permission to use the self-service library independently with their own signature.
• The guardian can cancel the consent by visiting the library during customer service hours.
• A child under the age of 15 who has not received consent to use the self-service library independently can visit the self-service library accompanied by an adult. The adult is responsible for ensuring that the self-service library rules are followed during the visit.

The short address for this page is tampere.fi/en/selfservicelibraries