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Harpenden Library

27 High Street, Bower's Parade, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2RU

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a library, an accessible toilet and two meeting rooms.
  • Comments View
    • Harpenden Library operates a library express service which is run by volunteers.
    • The express service runs on a Tuesday 09:00-13:00, Wednesday 13:00-19:00 and Friday 09:00-13:00.
    • Please note that during library express hours toilet facilities will not be available.

Location

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

COVID-19 Information

Opening Hours

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

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.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • There are bollards just after the entrance that are not permanently fitted.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 20m (21yd 2ft) 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 medium.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 13/01/2020.
  • The hearing loop was not fully functional at the time of testing.
  • There is a touch screen.
  • The touch screen is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • There are two meeting rooms available to hire on the first floor.
    • Meeting room 1 is shown in the final photograph.

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.
  • Accessible software includes Zoomtext.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
  • A large text keyboard, large rollerball mouse, height adjustable table and height adjustable chair is / are available.
  • Comments View
    • A walking frame is available to use throughout the library.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located through the door on the right after the main entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 150cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not 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 bright.

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located at the rear of the venue.
    • 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 locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 270cm (5ft 7in x 8ft 10in).
    • 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a/are not 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 not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (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.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 80cm (2ft 7in).

Standard Toilet(s)

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.
  • This service can be requested.
  • Home visits / services are available.