Tram lines 3, 6 and 9 stop on Kaisaniemenkatu street opposite Kaisa House, and metro users can access the Library by lift directly from the University of Helsinki metro station or from Kaisaniemenkatu just outside the station.
Several bus routes also serve the area, but stop a little further from the Library.
The Library is located within five minutes’ walking distance from the Central Railway Station.
There is one disabled parking space on Fabianinkatu street, near the main entrance.
The entrance to Kaisa House is through the main door on Fabianinkatu and by lift from the University of Helsinki metro station (K1) and Kaisaniemenkatu (1st floor).
The entrance through the lobby of Aleksandria will be in use from June 14. The entrance on Vuorikatu is not in use until further notice.
The entrance floor has a walking connection to Fabianinkatu 32, Learning Centre Aleksandria and the Hirvi (Elk) city block.
The accessible route from the Library to the cafeteria which is located on another floor (Vuorikatu) requires porters’ assistance. A porter can be reached in the Aleksandria lobby or by calling 02941 23265. Should the porter be away from their lodge, they can be reached by using the phone located in the lobby.
If necessary, cafeteria staff will assist with access from the cafeteria to the Library.
The Library’s accessible entrances are the main entrance on Fabianinkatu and the lift from either the University of Helsinki metro station or Kaisaniemenkatu.
For assistance or guidance, please call the porter on +358 50 318 5411 or 02941 23265 (Aleksandria) or the library information desk on 02941 23920.
All of the customer service facilities at the Library are wheelchair accessible. If necessary, personal service is available for people with disabilities.
The service area is located close to the entrance and has chairs for customers. Customer service staff use electric height-adjustable desks.
The self-service checkout and return desks are at seat height, as are some of the computer terminals.
A magnifying reading aid is available on the fourth floor of the Library (room 4044).
A reading area with an electric height-adjustable desk is available on the sixth floor (room 6042).
The building is fitted with “talking” lifts that tell you in Finnish which floor you are on.
The floor indicators in the lifts are also in Braille.
There are accessible toilets on each floor. The toilets provide for either left- or right-hand transfer, as indicated on the signs. The toilets are situated in the same location on each floor.
The steps of the staircase are wide and can be climbed on both sides. A strip of dark colour on the front edge of each step adds contrast and makes the edge stand out.
Height, contrast and font types have been selected to enhance clarity.
Information screens are used to provide information about Library services, their location and accessibility.
In Kaisa House, there are a variety of workstations and chairs at different heights to accommodate the different needs of our customers.
The fourth floor has working space at standing height near the oval-shaped skylight.
Special attention has been paid to acoustics, and sound absorption panels have been installed on ceilings to reduce noise.
Lights have been installed in the direction of shelves to minimise glare. They are fitted with motion detectors in the area of the shelves and the toilets.
Some working areas also have separate reading lights.
The large windows and glass surfaces cause no reflection or glare.
The Library has a fire alarm system that can be seen and heard, and it will direct the Library's customers in cases of emergency.
The staff are trained to assist people with disabilities in cases of emergency.