Using the library

Oulu City Library and OUTI Libraries

The Oulu City Library consists of the Main Library, 23 branch libraries and two mobile libraries.  

Oulu City Library is one of the OUTI Libraries. All OUTI Libraries are located in the Oulu region, and they cooperate extensively. The other OUTI Libraries are the libraries of Hailuoto, Ii, Kempele, Kuusamo, Liminka, Lumijoki, Muhos, Pudasjärvi, Pyhäjoki, Raahe, Siikajoki, Taivalkoski, Tyrnävä, Utajärvi and Vaala. 

Library rules and regulations

Rules and regulations, more information about the library membership at the OUTI Web Library

Library card

The same library card is valid in all OUTI Libraries. The first library card is free of charge. 

Read more about the library card

Borrowing, renewals and returns

Anyone who has a library card to one of the OUTI Libraries can borrow the items from any and all of the OUTI Libraries. The loan period is usually four weeks. 

Loans can be returned to any one of the OUTI Libraries unless otherwise instructed when borrowing the items. 

The returns book drop located at the Main Library is open around the clock except for the last opening hour of the day. Temporary book drops for returns are in use at the libraries of Haukipudas, Kiiminki, Oulunsalo, Yli-Ii and Ylikiiminki. 

Checked out loans can renewed if there are no reservations.

If an item is not available at the library, you can make a reservation on it. Reserving is free, but there is a fee of one euro for unclaimed holds that are not picked up by the last pick-up date.

Read more about borrowing, loan periods and renewals

Using the library on behalf of another person (authorization)

A library card is personal and necessary for using all the library services. However, a library user can use the library on behalf of another person, for example to pick up holds or pay fines and fees. In this case, the library requires an authorization letter.

The person who uses the library on behalf of someone else will present the library card and the letter of authorization to the staff. The authorization letter is for one-time use only and it must show the date and what it is for (for example borrowing material, picking up a hold or paying library fees). When using the library on behalf of someone else, you must be able to prove your identity.

If you are picking up holds on behalf of someone else, a copy of the pick-up notification is a valid alternative to an authorization letter.

Form for a letter of authorization (pdf)

A blank form for the authorization letter can be also obtained from the library customer service. The authorization letter can also be informal if printing the form is not possible. For more information about the using a letter of authorization, contact your library.

Fines and fees

If borrowed items not returned by their due date, the customer has to pay a fine. The fine has to be paid for each day past the due date. No overdue fines are collected for children's loans or material for children and the young.

If a customer does not return overdue loans or does not pay the fines, their borrowing privileges will be suspended.

The VAT for library fines is 0 %.

Read more about library fines and fees

Other fees

The VAT for other library fees (24%) is included in the price.

Printouts and copies

A print-out or a copy paid at the service desk or with cash by the copier:

Copies paid with the Waltti card:

White A4 and A5 sized copy paper (80g/m²) is available for printing and copying. Printing and copying onto customer’s own papers, stickers or foils is not possible.

Other fees and merchandise

Library fees can be paid through online banking on the OUTI Web Library. A library card and PIN along with online banking login are required for making the payment. The fees can also be paid with the most common credit and debit cards at the Oulu Main Library and the libraries of Haukipudas, Kaakkuri, Kaijonharju, Karjasilta, Kiiminki, Maikkula, Myllyoja, Oulunsalo and Rajakylä.

Cash payments are possible at Oulu Main Library and at the Oulu 10 service points located in the libraries of Haukipudas, Kiiminki, Oulunsalo, Yli-Ii and Ylikiiminki.