You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• About View
  • Watford Library is a central community hub that provides access to books, free Wi-Fi, computer facilities, and bookable meeting spaces.
  • Facilities available in the venue include: a children's area, study spaces, plus the Café in the Library, part of Watford Mencap. https://www.watfordmencap.org.uk/cafe">View information on Watford Mencap at Café in the Library.
  • View information on opening times.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • There is a public car park nearby.
  • The name of the nearest car park is The Avenue car park.
  • View information on The Avenue car park (opens new tab).
  • There is on-street Blue Badge Bay parking.
  • The nearest train station is Watford Junction.
  • This station has step-free access.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free access via a steep ramp at the most accessible entrance.
  • The most accessible entrance is the main entrance.
  • There is 1 other entrance.
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the other entrance.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • Doors are held open along circulation routes.
  • Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
  • The first floor can be accessed via a platform lift.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • Seating is available.
  • There are both fixed and portable hearing assistance systems.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: Braille, large print and audio.
  • There is not a water bowl available for assistance dogs.

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
  • The toilet with adaptations is located within the toilet lobby on the ground floor.
  • The toilet with adaptations has a left hand transfer space.
• Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within a parent and baby room in the toilet lobby on the ground floor.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

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• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
• Public Parking View
  • On-street designated Blue Badge parking is available.
  • The on-street designated Blue Badge parking bays are located in the layby next to the Library off the Town Hall / Avenue roundabout.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
  • There is a public car park located in the centre of the Town Hall / Avenue roundabout.
  • The name of the car park is Avenue Car Park.
  • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.
  • Electric vehicle charging points are available in the car park.

You are on Main Entrance. Skip to the next section.

Main Entrance

• This entrance is located towards the centre of the building.
• 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 ramp at the entrance.
• The ramp has a steep gradient.
• There are not any level resting areas along the ramp.
• The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide.
• There are no handrails for the ramp.
• There are double manual doors.
• The doors are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 144cm.
• The doors have a high colour contrast.
• There is a second set of double automatic doors.
• The doors open towards you.
• The width of the opening is 136cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a low colour contrast.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

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• Location View
  • The reception is located straight ahead after the main entrance.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 6m.
• 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 97cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
  • The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • There is a fixed hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • The flooring is patterned.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

You are on Getting Around. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around

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• Access View
  • There is step-free access between floors via platform lift.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• Circulation View
  • Doors are held open along circulation routes.
  • Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor along circulation routes.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • 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 and sofas.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

You are on Library. Skip to the next section.

Library

• There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
• Some flooring is patterned.
• The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
• Seating available in this library includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, armchairs and stools.
• Furniture available in the library includes: tables and desks.
• Some tables are fixed.
• The surface height of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear height under the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
• The height of the touchscreen display ranges from 95cm to 144cm from the floor.
• There is a screen shrink option for the touchscreen to make it more accessible.
• When made accessible the height of the touchscreen display ranges from 95cm to 115cm from the floor.
• The touchscreen also has the following accessibility aids: adjustable font size.
• This library is able to provide material in the following formats: Braille, large print, ebook and audio.
• Auxiliary aids available in this library include: high visibility/contrast keyboards, trackball mouse, handheld magnifiers, headsets and audio recorders.
• Braille format material is available in the Children's Area.
• Hub 'hublet' tablets are available to be borrowed.

You are on Counter (Enquiries). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Enquiries)

• The counter is located on the ground floor within the main library space, on the right-hand side.
• The distance from main entrance is 18m.
• 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 a lowered section at the counter.
• The height of the lowered section is 76cm.
• The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
• There is a fixed hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
• The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
• There may be background noise in this area.
• Some flooring is patterned.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

You are on The Café in the Library. Skip to the next section.

The Café in the Library

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• Location and Access View
  • The café is located on the ground floor off the main library space, on the right-hand side.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There is an opening without doors.
  • The width of the opening is more than 200cm.
• Order and Payment View
  • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
  • The service counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located towards the rear of the café area.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 90cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
  • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The card payment machine is at a height of 90cm.
  • The payment machine is portable.
• Service View
  • This area also has staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Menu types include: wall-mounted, wall-mounted (digital) and countertop.
  • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
  • The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating Area View
  • The seating area is both inside and outside.
  • The outdoor seating area is uncovered.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests and high stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and high tables.
  • Some tables are fixed.
  • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is a ramp with a slight slope for access to the external seating area.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• The lift surveyed is located within the main library space, to the left of the building.
• The distance from main entrance is 20m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• This lift is a platform lift.

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• Platform Lift View
  • The ground floor, and the lower and upper levels on the first floor can be accessed by this lift.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The weight limit for the lift is 400kg.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 110cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
  • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
  • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • This lift has a visual floor indicator.

You are on Stairs. Skip to the next section.

Stairs

• The stairs are located on the left after the main entrance.
• The ground floor and the first floor can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are permanently held open doors to access the stairwell.
• There are handrails on both sides, which are within reach.
• The handrails are not easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The steps are clearly marked.
• The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 19cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm-45cm.
• Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

You are on Counter (Local Studies). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Local Studies)

• The counter is located on the upper first floor within the Reference and Local Studies room.
• The distance from the lift is 9m.
• 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 76cm.
• There is a fixed hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
• The hearing assistance system was tested, however it was not working at the time of the survey.
• There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
• The flooring is patterned.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

You are on The Hall. Skip to the next section.

The Hall

• The room is located on the lower first floor on the left after exiting the lift.
• The distance from the lift is 22m.
• The most accessible route to the room has a platform lift.
• Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
• There is written text signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There are double manual doors.
• The doors open towards you.
• The width of the opening is 137cm.
• The doors have a high colour contrast.
• There is a second set of double manual doors.
• The doors open away from you.
• One of the doors was locked at the time of the survey.
• The locked door can be opened on request.
• The width of the opening is 73cm.
• The doors have a high colour contrast.
• There is step-free level access throughout.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
• The flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
• Seating available in this room includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests and benches.
• Furniture available in this room includes: tables.
• None of the tables are fixed.
• The surface height of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear height under the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
• Additional facilities/services include: a television.
• There is background noise in this room which varies depending on the function/event.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.

You are on Lift (First Floor - Platform Lift). Skip to the next section.

Lift (First Floor - Platform Lift)

• The lift surveyed is located on the lower first floor within the Creator Space, for access to The Hall and The Pod.
• The distance from the lift is 18m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
• This route has narrow walkways.
• This lift is a stair lift.

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• Stair Lift View
  • The Hall and The Pod rooms can be accessed by this lift.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The weight limit for the lift is 225kg.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 78cm (width) x 124cm (depth).
  • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Location View
  • The toilet surveyed is located within the toilet lobby on the ground floor, on the left after the main entrance.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 18m.
• 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 not any signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The width of the opening is 87cm.
  • The door has a locking handle.
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a medium colour contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 187cm (width) x 188cm (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 121cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a lever flush for the toilet.
  • The flush is on the non-transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 50cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
  • 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 89cm 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 73cm from the floor.
  • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a low colour contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 104cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 90cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is no mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.