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Sevenoaks Library

Buckhurst Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1LQ

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Access Guide

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Summary (Sevenoaks Library)

  • Comments View
    • Citizen's Advice Bureau Sevenoaks is located to the right hand side of the Sevenoaks Library, from the main entrance on Buckhurst Lane.
    • It has a separate entrance for the public.
    • There is an internal link between the two services for staff use and CAB staff have access to the toilets in the staff areas of Sevenoaks Library.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The venue is located off Buckhurst Lane, to the east of A225 Sevenoaks High Street.
      By car, access is from Suffolk Way which meets the High Street at its northern end at the crossroads with Pembroke Road.
      Suffolk Way leads to the leisure centre and the public car parks.
    • There are public pay and display car parks on both side of the venue, near to the Sevenoaks Library main entrance (between the venue and the High Street) and CAB and the Sevenoaks Library rear entrance facing the leisure centre.
      The nearest Blue Badge bays are close to the rear entrance.
      Please note that there are separate payment machines for the parking areas closest to the leisure centre and different charges and time limits may apply.
      There is a multi-storey car park (Sevenoaks Town Car Park) located off Buckhurst Lane, near to Sevenoaks Library and the leisure centre.
      The car park immediately behind the Sevenoaks Library is for Sevenoaks Library and CAB staff and volunteers only.
  • By Bus View
    • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
    • Sevenoaks Bus Station is located off the High Street in Buckhurst Lane and is served by many services from the surrounding area.
      The bus stands are sheltered with bench seats and public toilets are available.
      There is a pedestrian route from the bus station downhill along Buckhurst Lane to the Sevenoaks Library main entrance and also the path to the CAB.
      The route is about 100m and crosses Suffolk Way.
      There are dropped kerbs without tactile paving at the road crossing.
    • For more information on Arriva bus services in Kent and the south east please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Train View
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • Staff receive disability awareness/equality training.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • Staff receive deaf awareness training.
  • British Sign Language interpreters cannot be provided on request.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; Braille on request, large print on request and different languages on request.
  • There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located in the car parks or grassed area around the building.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • The photograph shows the trolley which is available for customers to carry their books around the library.
    When not in use it is usually located near to the lift on the ground floor, or please ask a member of staff.

Public Parking

  • There are public pay and display car parks on Buckhurst Lane and Suffolk Way.
  • The Blue Badge bays in Buckhurst Lane (shown in photograph 1) are close to the Sevenoaks Library rear entrance.
  • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving between the parking area and the footpath.
  • There are further Blue Badge bays close to the Leisure Centre on the opposite side of Buckhurst Lane (shown in photograph 2).
  • There is a raised surface crossing between this area of the car park and the venue (shown in photograph 3).
  • The Suffolk Way car park is on the opposite side of the venue, close to the main entrance.
  • There are not Blue Badge bays in this location.
  • There is a dropped kerb and tactile paving leading to a footpath connecting with the main entrance ramp (shown in photographs 5 and 6).
  • This path is very steep and will be unsuitable for many wheelchair users.
  • The alternative step-free route follows the main pedestrian exit from the car park onto Suffolk Way then following the path round to the main entrance.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building, nearest to the High Street, Bus Station and Suffolk Way Car Park.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance sign says 'Kaleidoscope'.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 138cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on Buckhurst Lane, to the right of 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).
  • Comments View
    • The width of the ramp on the left is 145cm with tactile paving at the bottom.
    • The width of the ramp on the right is over 150cm.
    • This entrance opens into the lower first floor of the library (level 1), where the reference library and archive study areas are located.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the venue, facing the leisure centre.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance sign says 'Sevenoaks Kaleidoscope'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 80cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 110cm.
  • Comments View
    • This entrance opens into the ground floor of the library (level 0), which includes the library help desk, children's library and large print collections.
    • The registrar's office is also on this level.

Approach (Library and Registrar Entrance and Citizens Advice Bureau Entrance)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is tarmac and concrete tiles.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a steep gradient and has a handrail on the right going up.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • Comments View
    • This path leads down to an entrance to the ground floor of the library, next to the Registrar's Office and also to the main entrance to the CAB.
    • The path is about 10m long and very steep, without resting places.
    • There is direct access to the Registrar's Office from inside the library using the rear entrance or using the main entrance then the lift to the ground floor.
    • Either of these routes could also be used to bypass the steep slope to access the CAB, leaving the library using the door shown and turning to the left for the CAB.

Outside Access (Library and Registrar Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right hand side of the building, at the end of the steep path down off Buckhurst Lane .
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 83cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Area(s) (Library)

  • The facilities/services located in the library include; Lower First Floor (Level 1): reference library, local studies and information
    Ground Floor (Level 0): children's library, adult fiction, large print and audio book collection
    Lower Ground Floor (level -1): adult non-fiction and computer area.
  • There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
  • There are not doors in lobby areas/corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
  • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is vinyl.
  • The main walkway(s)/aisle(s) in the open plan office(s) are wide enough for wheelchair users to pass.
  • The type of flooring in the open plan/communal areas is carpet and vinyl.
  • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Access to other floors/levels is via lift and stairs.
  • There is a height adjustable desk in this area.
  • There are desks which are potentially accessible for wheelchair users in this area.
  • Seating in this area includes; adjustable chairs with wheels but no armrests, chairs with no armrests, stools, chairs with armrests, armchairs and sofas.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the floor/area.
  • There is no overhead signage in this area.
  • Dementia friendly signage is provided.
  • None of the doors in this area have Braille signage.
  • None of the doors in this area have tactile signage.
  • There is not background music in this area.
  • There is a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
  • The system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is available only on request.
  • Comments View
    • Photographs 1-4 show the adult fiction area on the ground floor of the library, ahead from the main entrance.
    • Photographs 5 and 6 show the children's area also on this floor.
    • The room with large print and dementia-friendly titles (shown in photograph 7) is also used as the waiting area for the Registrar's room.
    • The signage around the building is supported by dementia-friendly / Makaton symbols.
    • Photographs 9-11 show the reference library and local studies area on the lower first floor. This is to the right as you exit the lift or to the left from the main entrance.
    • Photograph 12 shows the computer area on the lower ground floor.

Counter (Library Help and Registration)

  • Counter View
    • The counter is located ahead as you enter the library from the rear entrance or to the right as you exit the lift on level 0.
    • The counter is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the rear entrance.
    • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the counter.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
    • There are no 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 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 75cm.
    • There is not 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.
    • 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 provided near the counter.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • Comments View
    • Self-service machines are also available for borrowing and returns.
    • The buttons on the touchscreen and the scanner are within reach of a wheelchair user.

Room(s) (Registrar for Births and Deaths)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was Registrar for Births and Deaths.
    • Registrar for Births and Deaths is located off the ground floor of the library (level 0), to the left from the rear entrance.
    • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
    • There is written signage for the room, in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
  • Room Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single.
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 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 a hearing assistance system for the room(s) available on request.
    • 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 sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There are some chairs 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.

Other Floors (Main Stairs)

  • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
  • The stairs are for public use.
  • The stairs are located ahead from the rear or main entrances.
  • The stairs are approximately 20m from the rear entrance.
  • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are lower ground, ground floor, lower first floor and upper first floor (known as -1, 0, 1, 2 in the lift).
  • There are between 5 and 14 steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The going of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The steps have a handrail 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 extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a landing.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • Photographs 1 and 2 show the stairs up from the ground floor (level 0) up to the main entrance foyer on level 1.
    • Photographs 3-5 show the stairs from the foyer down towards the ground floor and up towards the gallery and museum level.
    • Photograph 6 shows the stairs up from the lower ground floor to the main ground floor level.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right after the rear entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the rear entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are -1, 0, 1, 2.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
  • The clear door width is 90cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 109cm x 200cm.
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.
  • Comments View
    • The separate entry and exit doors operate when moving between some levels eg ground and lower ground or lower first floors ( 0 and -1 or 1) but not between ground and upper first floor (0 and 2).

Counter (Reference Library)

  • Counter View
    • The counter is located in the upper first floor library area.
    • The counter is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • Clear signage for the counter is not visible from the lift.
    • There is step-free access to the counter.
    • There is 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.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is not staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • 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 vinyl.
  • Comments View
    • The handle to operate the adjustable height computer table is kept at this desk.
    • Although there is a window behind the desk, it is more than likely to be covered by the blind.

Area(s) (Upper First Floor (Level 2) Meeting Area)

  • The facilities/services located in the upper first floor meeting area include; moveable tables and chairs, utility sinks and computers.
  • There is step-free access throughout the area.
  • There are not doors in lobby areas/corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
  • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is vinyl.
  • The following facilities in this area may not be accessible or usable for wheelchair users; some desks.
  • The type of flooring in the open plan/communal areas is vinyl.
  • There is flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Access to other floors/levels is via stairs and lift.
  • There are no height adjustable desks in this area.
  • There are some desks which are potentially accessible for wheelchair users in this area.
  • Seating in this area includes; chairs with armrests and chairs with no armrests.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the floor/area.
  • Dementia friendly signage is provided.
  • None of the doors in this area have Braille signage.
  • None of the doors in this area have tactile signage.
  • There is not background music in this area.
  • Comments View
    • This area is located to the right as you exit the lift on level 2.
    • It is used for meetings and also arts and craft activities which may be related to the gallery exhibition.
    • The moveable tables have space beneath of 68cm.
    • The computer desks have space beneath of 72cm.
    • There are sinks in this area which may be used for refreshments or craft activities.
    • One of the sinks is at the lower height of 79cm.

Room(s) (Gallery)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was the Gallery.
    • The Gallery is located on the upper first floor, to the right as you exit the lift on level 2.
    • There is wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
    • There is written signage for the room, in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is 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).
  • Room Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The push pad is located to the right of the doorway, with its centre 100cm high.
    • The door(s) is/are single.
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is a hearing assistance system for the room(s) available on request.
    • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is wood.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are adjustable.
  • Comments View
    • This room is used for temporary exhibitions and events.
    • Furniture layouts and lighting levels may vary.

Exhibit (Museum)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There is a single, automatic door with an opening width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
    • The door is operated by push pad, which is located to the left of the entrance.
      The Museum entrance is to the right as you exit the lift on level 2.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is level access throughout this area.
    • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • This area does play background music/sound.
    • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in tactile, pictorial, information board and television/screen format.
    • No exhibits can be audio described.
    • There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 30cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are good.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.
    • The exit is clearly signed internally.
  • Comments View
    • The museum focuses on local history.
    • There are some objects to handle, including dressing up clothes.
    • There is a video presentation which plays automatically and a handset to listen to oral history recordings.
    • The desk is fitted with an adjustable height magnifier lamp.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Public - Left Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on level 2 (upper first floor), ahead as you exit the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 89cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 154cm x 230cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a large nappy disposal bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 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).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • 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 has a backrest and a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
    • 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 do not 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 88cm.
    • 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).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • 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 low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • 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 80cm (2ft 7in).

Standard Toilet(s) (Public)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the upper first floor (level 2 in the lift), ahead as you exit the lift.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the female and male toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • There is not a lowered urinal in the male toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • There is not a lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.