Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Harpenden Library

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

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

Overview

Parking

  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
  • Public Parking View
    • On-street designated Blue Badge parking and standard parking is available.
    • The on-street designated Blue Badge parking bays are located approximately 10 metres from the entrance on Bower's Parade.
    • The Blue Badge bays are signposted and have markings which are faded.

Entrance

  • This entrance is located at the front of the library on Bower's Parade.
  • The approach to the entrance has a bollard.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 173cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • There are security barriers at the entrance.
  • The maximum width between them is 160cm.

Welcome Counter

  • The counter is located on the right as you enter the library.
  • The distance from the entrance is 2m.
  • The most accessible route to the counter has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 96cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • Circulation View
    • There are no doors to open along circulation routes.
    • Access throughout may include narrow walkways and pillars.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high along circulation routes.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise.
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signage is consistent throughout.
    • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, armchairs, sofas and stools.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Enquiries

  • Location View
    • The reception is located ahead as you enter the library.
    • The distance from the entrance is 15m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the reception has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access to the reception.
    • The height of the reception desk is 75cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
    • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Library

  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in this library includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, armchairs, sofas and stools.
  • Furniture available in the library includes: tables, coffee tables and desks.
  • The surface height of some of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under some of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • The height of the touchscreen display ranges from 92cm to 139cm from the floor.
  • The touchscreen has the following accessibility aids: adjustable font size.
  • This library is able to provide material in the following formats: Braille, large print, ebook, ejournal and audio.
  • Auxiliary aids available in this library include: ergonomic chairs, large letter key keyboards, high visibility/contrast keyboards and headsets.
  • Accessible software available for the computers includes: Zoomtext.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location View
    • The toilet surveyed is located at the rear of the library.
    • The distance from the entrance is 26m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
    • The door requires effort to open.
    • The width of the opening is 84cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 146cm (width) x 280cm (depth).
    • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 81cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on the wall above the cistern.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a low colour contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a medium colour contrast.
    • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown grab rail has a medium colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 88cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 70cm from the floor.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a low colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 109cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer which requires hands to be inserted into the top.
    • The hand dryer has a medium colour contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 82cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm but it was tied up at the time of the survey.
    • There is a long mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 86cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.