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The Library of Birmingham

Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2ND

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include the main City Library, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, an Amphitheatre, Tourist Information Desk, Library CafĂ©, Exhibition and Gallery spaces, Meeting Rooms and spaces for hire, Music Practice Rooms, The Brasshouse Language Centre, and viewpoints over the city.

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the city.
  • This venue is situated in Birmingham.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest mainline station is Birmingham New Street.

Opening Times (Full Service)

  • Monday 11:00 - 19:00.
  • Tuesday 11:00 - 19:00.
  • Wednesday 11:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 11:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 11:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 11:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday Closed.

Opening Times (LoB Express Service)

  • Monday 09:00 - 11:00.
  • Monday 19:00 - 21:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 11:00.
  • Tuesday 19:00 - 21:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 11:00.
  • Wednesday 17:00 - 21:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 11:00.
  • Thursday 17:00 - 21:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 11:00.
  • Friday 17:00 - 21:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
    • The name of the car park is Paradise Circus.
    • The car park is located on Brindley Drive, to the rear of the library.
  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 260cm x 550cm (8ft 6in x 18ft 1in).
    • On street Blue Badge parking is located on Cambridge Street.
  • On Street Standard Parking View
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 bays for Blue Badge holders on Cambridge Street directly behind the Library on The REP side.
    • Access to the front entrance is along the covered walkway on the east side of the Library leading onto Centenary Square.
    • Further bays are available in the Paradise Circus multi-storey car park on Cambridge Street.
    • There is a taxi rank across the road outside the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Broad Street.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 100cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
  • Comments View
    • There are rotating doors to the left of the accessible door.
    • There is a similar accessible door to the left of the rotating doors.
    • Photograph 4 shows the security barriers just beyond the entrance, with a width of 102cm between them.

Reception (Main Reception)

  • The desk/counter is 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Reception (Tourist Information Desk)

  • The desk/counter is 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.

Self-Service Points

  • Opposite the Library's main entrance there are self-service points and Staff are available for assistance if required.
  • The touch screens are situated at a height of 116cm and the book returns bins are at a height of 80cm.
  • If required the appearance, language and text size can be adjusted.
  • There are additional self-service points available on every level.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is infrared.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Comments View
    • Level 9 has limited access for motorised scooters.
    • Please contact the venue before visiting.

Counter (Shop)

  • The counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
  • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is not a lowered section.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Other Floors (Main)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, MZ, G, MG, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Escalators View
    • Escalator(s) can be used to access other floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by escalator are LG, MZ, G, 1, 2, 3, 4.
    • The escalators steps are not clearly marked.
    • The foot and head of the escalators are not clearly marked.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There is a travelator between floors 3 and 4 (photograph 4).

Lift (Main)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right as you enter, next to the cafĂ©.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, MZ, G, MG, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on the lower ground floor.
  • The lift is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 89cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 98cm x 210cm (3ft 3in x 6ft 11in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 lifts here adjacent to each other with the same specifications.
    • There is a third lift with the dimensions 108cm x 215cm.
    • This only accesses floors LG, MZ, G, MG, 1, 2, 3, 4.
    • Floors 5, 6 and 8 are not accessible to the public.

Level Change (Book Browse Upper Slope)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located ahead from the entrance leading to the book browse area on LG.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on the left going up.

Other Floors (Book Browse Escalators)

  • Escalators View
    • Escalator(s) can be used to access other floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by escalator are Book Browse Upper to Lower.
    • The escalators steps are not clearly marked.
    • The foot and head of the escalators are not clearly marked.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Lift (Book Browse Platform Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the rear of the upper book browse area.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are Book Browse Upper to Lower.
  • The lift is approximately 60m (65yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 89cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 99cm x 149cm (3ft 3in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Lift (Lift to Meeting Rooms)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you enter, past the studio theatre.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3.
  • The lift is approximately 22m (24yd 2in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 98cm x 210cm (3ft 3in x 6ft 11in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Reception (Music Area Information Point - Lower Ground Floor)

  • The desk/counter is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the lift.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • Level access to the desk/counter is via lift.
  • The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Library

  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
  • This library does have a regular supply of books in large print.
  • This library does have a regular supply of books in audio format.
  • There is an ordering service.
  • The library does have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
  • A large text keyboard, large rollerball mouse and height adjustable chair is / are available.
  • Comments View
    • Each computer has the accessible features found on Windows 7 and SuperNova.
    • A junior antibacterial mouse which is colourful and smaller than regular ones is available for computer users.
    • Tables of different heights are available throughout the library.
    • Equipment available for people with a visual impairment includes;
    • - a Readit Touch machine
    • - a ClearReader+
    • - a Clearview+
    • - Living Paintings Collection (tactile books and packs for children).
    • Library members can also download Ebooks and eAudio books.

Changing Places

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located on the lower ground floor, opposite the children's library.
    • The facility is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main lifts.
    • There is level access to the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • It is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from the main reception and the Children's and Music team.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the door is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 285cm x 410cm (9ft 4in x 13ft 5in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 178cm (5ft 10in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on one side only.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 250cm (8ft 2in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Dropdown rails are provided for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is available.
  • Comments View
    • This facility is only available during main opening hours (not LoB Express hours).

Accessible Toilet (Book Browse)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is Braille, tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main lifts.
    • This accessible toilet is located within the book browse area.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 158cm x 217cm (5ft 2in x 7ft 1in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located on LG near to the lift in the Standard Toilet area.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • Comments View
    • Further accessible toilets are available on every floor.

Accessible Toilet (Lower Ground Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is Braille, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the lower ground floor, opposite the music information point.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is not push pad activated.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 164cm x 228cm (5ft 5in x 7ft 6in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 117cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located on LG near to the lift and in the Standard Toilet area.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • Comments View
    • Further accessible toilets are available on every floor.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the lower ground floor.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the main lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • This is by lift.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are moderate to good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the lower ground floor toilet area.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • There are standard toilets available on all levels of the library except the ground floor.
    • The toilets in the children's section are solely for children and family use.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.