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Barking Library

Barking Learning Centre, 2 Town Square, Barking, Essex, IG11 7NB

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Access Guide

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Introduction

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 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 10:00 - 16:00.

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 Barking.
  • The nearest underground station is Upney.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
    • The name of the car park is Vicarage Field Shopping Centre.
    • The car park is located off Ripple Road.
  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 360cm x 590cm (11ft 10in x 19ft 4in).
    • On street Blue Badge parking is located off Bobby Moore Way.
  • On Street Standard Parking View
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are available.
    • Standard marked parking bays are located on Clockhouse Avenue.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building, in the corner of the square, to the right of Relish CafĂ©.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The width of the door opening is 82cm (2ft 8in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 82cm (2ft 8in).

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right of the main entrance.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • 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 110cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

Reception (Family Library - Ground Floor)

  • The desk/counter is 22m (24yd 2in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • There is a touch screen.
  • The touch screen is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Comments View
    • This reception desk provides information on all council services as well as the library.
    • There is a second reception desk (photograph 4) that is only in use when the library is very busy.
    • This desk is 74cm high and is 10m from the Main Entrance, on the right as you enter.
    • There is level access to this reception.

Reception (Library Main Reception - First Floor)

  • The desk/counter is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 30/09/2021.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Comments View
    • Photographs 1 to 5 show the Children's Library area on the ground floor.
    • There is level access with automatic sliding doors operated by push pad from this area to a partly sheltered garden.
    • The garden has artificial grass and child-size seating.
    • Photographs 6, 7 and 8 show the Adult Library on the first floor.

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 table is / are available.
  • Equipment available for people with a visual impairment includes hand-held magnifiers.
  • Comments View
    • Photograph 1 shows an inclusive digital zone.
    • Photographs 2 and 3 show the children's library.
    • The adult library is shown in photographs 4 - 7.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are 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 bright.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right of the foyer after the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
  • The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 112cm (3ft 8in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 160cm (4ft 7in x 5ft 3in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is low.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right after the main entrance, off the gallery space.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from the main reception desk.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 92cm (3ft).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 210cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 11in).
    • There is not 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • 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 not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • 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 the left.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (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
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are poor.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • At the time of the survey (August 2018) the transfer space was blocked by the baby change table.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, to the left as you exit the lift.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from the counter on the first floor.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 92cm (3ft).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 250cm (4ft 11in x 8ft 2in).
    • 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 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 not fully functional.
    • The alarm did not sound when tested.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • 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 the right.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • 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
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • At the time of the survey (August 2018) the alarm cord had been broken off near to ceiling level.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • 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 first floor, off the corridor to the left as you exit the lift.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • This is by lift.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are low to moderate.

Additional Info

  • 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.