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Welwyn Garden City Central Library

Campus West, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6AJ

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a large and a small meeting room.

Location

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

Opening Hours

Parking (Staff and Blue Badge Holders)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is located at the rear of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 7 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 239cm x 460cm (7ft 10in x 15ft 1in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 12m (13yd 4in) from the rear entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the rear entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are uneven surfaces.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
    • There is a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The road is generally quiet.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Parking (Public Standard)

  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
    • The name of the car park is Campus West Pay and Display Car Park.
    • The car park is located on The Campus next to the library.
    • There are Blue badge bays available outside John Lewis across the roundabout on Parkway.

Opening Times

  • Monday 09:00 - 19:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 19:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 19:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 19:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 19:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 13:00 - 17:00.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
    • There is ramped/sloped and stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 215cm.
    • 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 210cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • 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 ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located to your left as you face the entrance.
    • There is/are 7 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • Comments View
    • There are security barriers at this entrance.
    • The minimum width between the barriers is 95cm.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the car park at the rear of the library.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the path leading to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • 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 the right going up.
  • Comments View
    • There are security barrier ay the rear entrance /exit that are 100cm wide.

Reception (Enquiries - Ground Floor)

  • The desk/counter is 18m (19yd 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 good.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is a touch screen.
  • The touch screen is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.

Inside Access

  • There is not 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.

Level Change (Inside Access)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • 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 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located to the rear and on the right of the ground floor enquiries desk.
  • There is/are 4 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

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.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
  • A large text keyboard and height adjustable chair is / are available.
  • Comments View
    • There are self check out facilities at the front entrance with touch screen operating heights ranging between 105cm - 140cm.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left of the ground floor enquiries desk.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
  • The lift is approximately 27m (29yd 1ft) 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 99cm x 140cm (3ft 3in x 4ft 7in).
  • 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 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 (Lift Lobby to First floor)

  • 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 deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There is an evac chair located on the First floor in the rear of library lift lobby area.

Other Floors (Spiral Staircase)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not 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 good.

Meeting Rooms

  • There are two accessible rooms available for hire.
  • The meeting rooms are located on the ground floor.
  • There is a small meeting room with a maximum capacity for six people.
  • There is a large meeting room with a maximum capacity for forty people.
  • Both rooms are available for hourly or daily hire.
  • A hearing loop can be requested for either room at time of booking.

Creator Space

  • Creator space is located on the first floor.
  • This area has various types of seating including bench seats and chairs with no arms. There are casual and computer table that are 74cm high.

Accessible Toilet (Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right of the ground floor enquiries desk.
    • 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 lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 252cm (4ft 11in x 8ft 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 79cm (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 a/are non-infectious waste and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 165cm 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 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
    • 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 high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar accessible toilet, with left hand transfer space, next to the surveyed accessible toilet. The toilet to the left is only 140cm wide. The toilet to the right does not have a baby change table.

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • 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.