Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

York Explore Library

Library Square, York, YO1 7DS

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a library with local history and family history sections, an archive service, and a cafe.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is York.

Opening Hours

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is located in front of the building and to the right.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is/are 2 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • There is no standard parking available at this location. The blue badge bays are signposted but not marked.
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 126cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 116cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located directly after the second set of doors.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a very short steep ramp just before the first set of entrance doors.

Inside Access (Main Building)

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are some large repeating patterns on the flooring throughout the main building atrium.

Reception (Library)

  • The desk/counter is 15m (16yd 1ft) 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.

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 not have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are not available for computer users.
  • Equipment available for people with a visual impairment includes magnifying software.
  • Comments View
    • There are seating clusters throughout the library.
    • The computer screens and office chairs are height adjustable.
    • There is a library touchscreen to the right of the main library doors.
    • The touchscreen has an accessibility mode.
    • The height of the screen in accessibility mode is 130cm.
    • The height in standard mode is 151cm.

Eating and Drinking (Café)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located through the main entrance and to the right.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 38cm (1ft 3in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • The standard height for tables is 72cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
  • Comments View
    • There is a self-service section to the left of the service counter.

Level Change (Marriott and Brierley Rooms)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located to the right of the Marriott Room entrance.
  • 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 not have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • This ramp can be avoided by using the doors to the left of the main entrance.

Marriott Room

  • The Marriott room is located to the left of the main library.
  • This room is a meeting room that can be hired out.
  • There is a manual, double door that opens both ways (push and pull).
  • The opening width of the door is 117cm.
  • The door is heavy and may be difficult to open.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the room.
  • The flooring is wooden and shiny.
  • Lighting levels are good.
  • There are tables with an underside height of 70cm.
  • There are chairs without armrests available.
  • There is a fixed hearing loop system in this room.
  • At the time of the survey the hearing loop was switched off and could not be tested (March 2024).

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right of the main building atrium.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, double doors which are easy to open to access the lift lobby on all floors.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 77cm (2ft 6in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 109cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • 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 not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There are two separate staircases on the ground floor that form one staircase at the half-landing.
    • The handrails are on one side of the first set of staircases, and then on both sides from the half-landing upwards.

Reception (Archives And Local History)

  • The desk/counter is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the lift.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • 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.

Changing Places

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located on the ground floor, at the rear of the main library.
    • The facility is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
    • The facility is located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
    • There is level access to the facility.
    • The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • The key is not a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from members of staff.
    • There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The width of the door is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 460cm x 171cm.
    • The ceiling height is at a minimum of 2.4m.
    • There is not a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
    • The facility has not got a non-slip floor.
    • There is a medium colour contrast between the walls and floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 267cm (8ft 9in).
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 158cm (5ft 2in).
    • Dropdown rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • There are no vertical grab rails for the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a spatula flush.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 80cm.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the toilet seat and pan.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The facility changing bench is free standing.
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 175cm (5ft 9in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
  • Other Facilities View
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • The type of wash basin is fixed.
    • The height of the wash basin is 84cm.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • 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.
    • There is a medium colour contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 117cm.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the hand dryer is 108cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 125cm.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a/are sanitary, non-infectious waste and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is not an emergency alarm for the facility.
    • There is a coat hook.
    • The height of the coat hook is 163cm from the floor.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a baby change unit with a height of 81cm.
    • The wide tear-off paper roller is attached to the back of the changing bench, which is height adjustable.

Level Change (First Floor Toilets)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located directly ahead after exiting the lift.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 124cm (4ft 1in).

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, ahead and to the left as you exit the lift.
    • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a volunteer or member of staff.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 154cm x 235cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 9in).
    • 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 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 182cm 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • 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
    • There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the walls and floor.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s)

Parent and Baby Room

  • There is a parent and baby room for public use.
  • The parent and baby room is located on the first floor, at the far right of the corridor ahead, as you exit the lift.
  • The parent and baby room is approximately 10m from the lift.
  • There is ramped/sloped access to the parent and baby room.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the room.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
  • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
  • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 92cm (3ft).
  • There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
  • The height of the wash basin is 92cm.
  • The wash basin tap type is sensor.
  • There is/are not chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a toilet in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are available 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.
  • This service cannot be requested.
  • Home visits / services are not available.