Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

Blackheath Village Community Library

Age Exchange Reminiscence Centre, 11 Blackheath Village, Blackheath, London, SE3 9LA

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

  • Comments View
    • Blackheath Village Community Library is part of Lewisham Council's public library service.
    • The main library is located on the lower ground floor of Age Exchange, with some books in the upper ground floor reminiscence lounge.
    • The library is fully accessible by lift and has accessible toilets. .
    • A range of groups and classes such as story time, art & knitting groups, are held at the library. Please see the library website for full listings.
    • Library users also have access to all the facilities of the Age Exchange including the lounge, café and garden.
    • Please see the access guide to the Age Exchange for full details.

Opening Times

  • Monday 09:00 - 18:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 18:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 18:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 18:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 18:00.
  • Saturday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday Closed.
  • Comments View
    • The library opening times are the same as for the Age Exchange.

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the area.
  • This venue is situated in Blackheath.
  • The venue is situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest mainline station is Blackheath.

Parking (Staff Car Park)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is at the back of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
    • The car park is off Bennet Park.
    • There are 1 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The nearest designated bay is 14m (15yd) from the Garden to Cafe 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 slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is block paving.
    • There is a dropped kerb / non stepped access from the car park to the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
    • The patron does not have to cross a road.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • There is level access from the car park into the main building via the platform lift from the garden to the café.
    • Blackheath Station car park (vehicle access off Hurren Close) is opposite the venue.
    • There is on-street parking in the area in the evenings.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open automatically.
  • The doors are single width.
  • The door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in) wide.
  • Comments View
    • The powered doors are operated by a push pad.
    • The push pad is within reach of a wheelchair user.

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 on tape or disc.
  • There is an ordering service.
  • The library does not have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
  • A large text keyboard and large rollerball mouse is / are available.
  • Equipment available for people with a visual impairment includes magnifiers.
  • Comments View
    • The main group of computers are located in The Pit (basement), off the lower ground floor.
    • This area is not served by the lift and is not accessible.
    • Because of this, there is a further public computer terminal located on the upper ground floor, 2m from the lift (see photo).

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Lighting levels are varied.

Other Floors (Main Stairs)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B-LG-G-UG.
    • There are 7-6-9 steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting level is bright.
  • Comments View
    • Computer area in the basement (The Pit).

Other Floors (Library - Lounge Stairs)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG-UG.
    • There are 13 steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting level is medium.
  • Comments View
    • These stairs connect the rear of the library with the reminiscence lounge in the centre of the building.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located ahead of the main entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG-G-UG.
  • The lift is 6m (19ft 8in) from 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 95cm x 150cm (3ft 1in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift controls do not have Braille markings.
  • The lift controls do have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Accessible Toilet

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 13m (14yd) from the lift.
    • The accessible toilet is located on the lower ground floor, at the rear of the library.
    • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 148cm x 250cm (4ft 10in x 8ft 2in).
    • Floor manoeuvring space is clear in the accessible toilet.
    • 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 not a functional emergency alarm available.
    • It is tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (0ft 4in) from floor).
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a coat hook.
    • The coat hook is within 120cm (3ft 11in) from floor level.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There are mirrors in the accessible toilet.
    • 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 48cm (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 not a toilet roll holder.
    • There is a sink.
    • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The sink is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the drop down rails and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There is a second accessible toilet adjacent to (to the left of) the one described.
    • This toilet is identical but laid out with the transfer space on the opposite hand (left).
    • There is a baby change facility in the left-hand accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change bench once extended is 78cm ( 2ft 6in) high.

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.