Access Guide
Getting Here
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By Road
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- The library is located to the south west of Gravesend.
The A2 is approximately 1.2 miles away, via Hall Road. - The library has its own car park at the front of the building.
There is 1 Blue Badge bay which is marked.
- The library is located to the south west of Gravesend.
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
- The nearest bus stop is in Coldharbour Road, approximately 33m from the venue.
The services which operate from this stop are the 305, 481 and 483. - For more information on bus timetables please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Gravesend.
- Gravesend Station is approximately 1.2 miles from the venue.
There are direct train services to London Victoria, London Charing Cross, St Pancras International, Luton, Rainham, and Faversham. - For more information on Southeastern Railway please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on Gravesend Station please click here (opens new tab).
Getting Help and Assistance
- There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
- British Sign Language interpreters can be provided on request.
- The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; Braille on request and large print on request.
- There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
- The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located on the grass areas surrounding the car park.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
- There are not mobility aids available.
Opening Times
- Monday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Wednesday Closed.
- Thursday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Friday Closed.
- Saturday 10:00 - 14:00.
- Sunday Closed.
Parking
- The venue does have its own parking facilities.
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Parking
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- The car park is located in front of the library.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park does not have a barrier control system.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
- There is/are 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 350cm x 470cm.
- There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
- Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
- All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
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Paying
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- There are no parking charges for the car park.
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Access from the Car Park
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- 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 slopes/ramps.
- The entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
- The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac and concrete tiles.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 4m from the main entrance.
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Drop-off Point(s)
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- There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
Approach (Main Entrance)
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Approach
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- The surface of the approach is tarmac.
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Ramp/Slope
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- There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
- The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has handrails on both sides.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 148cm (4ft 10in).
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step(s)
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- There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
- There is/are 4 unmarked step(s), with handrails on both sides.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
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Comments
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- The ramp is located on Hall Road and leads to the front right of the library car park.
- The steps are located on Coldharbour Road and lead to the rear centre of the library car park.
- The ramp is located on Hall Road and leads to the front right of the library car park.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the library.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance sign says 'Coldharbour Library'.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- 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 106cm.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located on the pathway in front of the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located ahead as you enter from the main entrance.
- The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free access to the reception point.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
- There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
- The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
- The height of the reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is a lowered section of the counter.
- The height of the lowered section at the counter is 76cm.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the lowered section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
- Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
- The type of flooring in the reception area is vinyl.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
- Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
- There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
- There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
Inside Access
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Access and Circulation
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- There is step-free access throughout the building.
- There is not a/are not door(s) in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
- The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet and vinyl.
- There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
- There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
- The lighting levels are varied.
- Wayfinding signage is not provided.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
- This venue does not play background music/sound.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Library
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Library Access and Circulation
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- The library is located ahead as you enter from the main entrance.
- The library is 1m from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access into the library.
- The type of flooring in the library is vinyl.
- There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
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Library Services
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- 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.
- Equipment available for people with a visual impairment includes magnifying software.
- There is a self-service book borrow/return machine available.
- The self-service machine touch screen is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- There is step-free access within the library.
- There are reading/study desks available.
- The majority of the reading/study desk(s) are 70cm in height.
- There are no height adjustable desks available.
- The seats do not have armrests.
- A member of staff is available to provide assistance.
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Computer Area
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- The library does have a computer area.
- The computer area is located ahead as you enter.
- There is step-free access to the computer area.
- The majority of the computer desk(s) are 70cm in height.
- There is a height adjustable desk in this area.
- The library does have computers with accessible software.
- The library computers are installed with Ability Net.
- Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
- A height adjustable table and height adjustable chair is / are available.
- Other computer auxiliary aids include magnifying software.
- The seats do not have armrests in the computer area.
Counter (Registration Room)
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Counter
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- The counter is located in the registration room.
- The counter is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the registration room entrance.
- The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free access to the counter.
- There is not a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
- There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
- The lighting levels at the counter are good.
- The height of the counter is low (76cm or lower).
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the counter.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
- Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided near the counter.
- The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
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Waiting Area and Signage
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- There is not a waiting area close to the counter.
Room(s) (Registration Room)
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Access
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- The room surveyed was the Registration Room.
- The Registration Room is located at the beginning of the front left corridor, on the left.
- There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
- Signage for the room(s) is not available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
- The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is not sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
- The colour contrast between the external door and wall is low.
- The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
- There is step-free access into the room(s).
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Room Details
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- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
- The door(s) is/are single.
- The door opening width(s) is/are under 75cm for the room(s).
- The door is easy to open.
- Light switches are not between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
- There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
- There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
- There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
- The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 70cm.
- There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
- Furniture cannot be reconfigured to allow a turning space for wheelchair users.
- A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
- There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
- The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet.
- Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The lighting levels are good.
Accessible Toilet(s) (Public Accessible Toilet)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located at the rear right of the front left corridor.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 131cm x 212cm (4ft 4in x 6ft 11in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The toilet has a non-slip floor.
- The height of the light switch/pull cord is 158cm from floor level.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 76cm (2ft 6in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin and a non-infectious waste bin.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are female sanitary, general waste (with no lid) and non-infectious waste disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
- The toilet does not have a backrest or a cistern.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- 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).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 84cm (2ft 9in).
- 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).
- The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
- There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 73cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- 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).
- The height of the hand dryer is 98cm (3ft 3in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is low.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Baby Changing Facilities
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- Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
- The baby change table is not height adjustable.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 97cm (3ft 2in).