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Blackheath Village Community Library

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

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Access Guide

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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.
  • 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.
  • On Street Parking and Drop-off Details. 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.
  • 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.