Helmet
A fast, clean iPhone app for the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Libraries (Helmet) catalog.
Search across all Helmet libraries: books, music, movies, games, and more. See real-time availability, manage your loans and holds, and get reminders before things are due. No ads, no tracking, your data stays on your device.
Questions? Answers.
Do I need a library card?
Only for account features: loans, holds, fines, and your library card barcode. You can search the catalog without logging in. If you don't have a card, you can get one for free at any Helmet library in Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, or Kauniainen.
Which iPhones does it work on?
Any iPhone running iOS 18 or later.
How do I log in?
Tap the Account tab and sign in with your library credentials. You're logging in directly through the official helmet.finna.fi website, so the app never sees your password.
Can I renew a loan?
Yes. Go to your loans and tap Renew. If renewal isn't available, it usually means someone has placed a hold on that item, or you've hit the renewal limit.
Can I see my account data offline?
You can. The app caches your loans, holds, and fines locally. The data refreshes when you open the app with an internet connection.
How do loan reminders work?
The app sends you a notification three days before a loan is due, and again on the due date. No server involved because all data is stored on your device. Make sure you enable notifications for the Helmet app in your iPhone Settings.
Is my data sent anywhere?
No. Everything stays on your device. The app talks only to the official Finnish library APIs (finna.fi, kirjastot.fi) and doesn't use analytics, tracking, or ads.
Why does search return no results from outside Finland?
The catalog is provided by public Finnish library services that restrict access by region. If you're travelling abroad and search isn't working, connect through a Finnish or European VPN. Account features (loans, holds, fines) usually still work regardless of location.
Feedback and support
Have an idea? Something not working? Drop me a line at apps@mla.run.