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Watford Library

Hempstead Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 3EU

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Access Guide

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Location

  • The venue is in a pedestrian area.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Watford Junction.
  • The nearest underground station is Watford.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

Opening Times

  • Monday 09:30 - 18:00.
  • Tuesday 09:30 - 19:00.
  • Wednesday 09:30 - 18:00.
  • Thursday 09:30 - 19:00.
  • Friday 09:30 - 19:00.
  • Saturday 09:30 - 16:00.
  • Sunday 13:00 - 17:00.
  • Comments View
    • Library Express runs between 09.30 - 13:00 on Fridays. For more information on Library Express, please visit the website.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open away from you (push).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door(s) is / are permanently held open.
  • The door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in) wide.
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open automatically (towards you).
    • The doors are double width.
    • The door opening is 130cm (4ft 3in) wide.

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on the right going up.
  • The width of the ramp or slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is / are 3 step(s) to the area / service.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is / are medium height.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on the right going up.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

Reception

  • The desk is 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception 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.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • 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.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

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.

Eating and Drinking

  • The following information is for the cafe.
  • The cafe is located to the right of reception.
  • 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 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 50cm (1ft 8in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / 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.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 0-1-2.
    • 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 medium.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear of the building.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0-1-2.
  • The lift is 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not 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 130cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 3in).
  • 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 not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Accessible Toilet

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is 16m (17yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a member of staff.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is push pad activated.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door weight is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 190cm x 190cm (6ft 3in x 6ft 3in).
    • 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 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is not a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a coat hook.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There are mirrors.
    • 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 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 grab rails 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 fair.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in a separate room, within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • Comments View
    • A chair with armrests on both sides is available in the baby change room.

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.