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Library

Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, London, TW1 4SX

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Comments View
    • The main lift within the library provides step free access to the main entrance of the Chapel, as well as step free access to the first floor.
    • There is an accessible entrance from the rear of the library into The Crypt Chapel.
    • There is access from the library to the Dolce Vita Café by a linking corridor located at the right side of the library as you enter.

Opening Times (Library)

  • The venue is open 24hrs.
  • Comments View
    • Library is open: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (requires a valid St Mary's ID card).

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • You can use the AA route planner to plan your journey. In accordance with the university's sustainability policy, visitors are advised to travel to St Mary's by public transport wherever possible. St Mary's is located on Waldegrave Road (A309) to the south of Twickenham. If you are using a sat nav, the postcode for the campus is TW1 4SX.
    • Parking restrictions apply on the campus from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and parking is limited at other times. Please call the main reception on 020 8240 4000 if you require further clarification.
  • By Bus View
    • From Richmond Upon Thames you can catch the R68 towards Hampton Court from a bus stop just outside Richmond station. Get off at the Twickenham, King Street stop and then take the 33 towards Fulwell. Get off at the ‘St Mary's University’ stop, which is just outside of St Mary’s main reception. You can also take the 33 from Richmond, although the bus stop is a 5 minute walk from Richmond station on Sheen Road (Bus stop L). From Twickenham or Teddington the 33 heading towards Fulwell stops on Richmond Road and York Street in Twickenham. The 33 heading towards Hammersmith stops on Stanley Road and Broad Street (Teddington High Street) in Teddington.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is Strawberry Hill which is 0.3 miles away. To get to the university from the station turn left when you exit, then walk past Premier Wine and the Post Office on your left and take the second road on your right, which is Waldegrave Gardens. At the end of Waldegrave Gardens, turn right onto Waldegrave Road and St Mary's main reception is on your left.
  • By Underground View
    • The nearest tube station is Richmond, which is 2.6 miles away. It is on the District and Overground Lines.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (Main Entrance Visitor Parking)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Waldegrave Road.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Main Entrance and Security, G Block, Chaplaincy, Shannon Building, Chapel.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 475cm x 440cm (15ft 7in x 14ft 5in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by visitors, Blue Badge holders and staff permit holders.
    • Parking charges apply to visitors only.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is a designated drop off point in this car park.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop off point.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is sloped access to the car park from the main entrance.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Main Reception and Security.
    • The nearest designated bay is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Parking on campus is available only to staff with a valid annual parking permit.
    • Parking charges apply to visitors section of the car park (by main reception, approximately 20 parking places).
    • The carpark has 2 electric vehicle charging bays (maximum stay is 4 hours).

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off the Piazza.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 175cm (5ft 9in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
  • Comments View
    • There are barriers immediately beyond the entrance with a width of 138cm.

Outside Access (Study Hub/Social Zone)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the main entrance.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 114cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 104cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar set of doors opposite this entrance to access the same area (as shown in photographs 5 and 6).
    • There are two sets of double doors that open towards you with a width of 140cm.
    • The second set of doors is permanently held open.
    • Please note, these entrances only provide access to an upper level of the ground floor in the Study Hub.
    • Step free access to the Study Hub is via the library main entrance.

Entrance (Link Corridor Between Library and Dolce Vita Cafe)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the corridor between the library and Dolce Vita Cafe.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 176cm (5ft 9in).
  • Comments View
    • The accessible toilets and shared standard toilets are located in this corridor.
    • The exit doors from the library are double with a width of 134cm.
    • The doors open away from you and are permanently held open.
    • This door is shown in photograph 3.

Reception (Information Desk)

  • The Information Desk is located ahead of the main entrance.
  • The desk is 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are good.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Reception (IT Services)

  • IT Services is located to the right as you enter the library.
  • The desk is 11m (12yd 1in) from the main entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are good.
  • The reception desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is a touch screen.
  • Comments View
    • Ahead of the main entrance are two IT self-help portals.
    • The height of the portal controls are between 106cm - 120cm.

Getting Around (Main Library)

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 2 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to IT2A / IT2B.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a steep ramp, with a handrail on the right going up, for access to IT2A / IT2B.
    • The width of the ramp is 104cm (3ft 5in).
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 1. The ramp can be seen in photograph 2.
    • There is/are 1 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to the mobile shelves.
    • The step(s) is/are shallow (2cm - 10cm).
    • The step can be seen in photograph 3.
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a portable loop.
    • There is a portable loop located to the right of the information desk, mounted on the wall.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 22/09/2022.
    • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.

Getting Around (The Social Zone/Study Hub)

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building.
    • There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the lower ground floor of the Social Zone from the main library.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a slight ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to the Social Zone from the main library.
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • Step free access to the Social Zone is via the library main entrance. The entrance to the Social Zone from the library is shown in photograph 1. The ramp is located immediately to the left as you enter the Social Zone and leads down from the upper ground floor area to the main lower ground floor area. The steps are shown in photographs 2 and 3. The ramp is shown in photographs 4, 5, 6 and 7.
    • There is/are 3 unmarked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to to access the lower ground floor of the Study Hub from the Study Hub entrance.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • These steps are shown in photograph 8.
    • There are no doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is not clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is no directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a portable loop.
    • There is a portable loop located at the library information desk.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.

The Social Zone/Study Hub

  • The Social Zone is a 24 hour study are located on the lower ground floor of the library.
  • Step free access to the Social Zone is via the library main entrance.
  • There are pods available with bench seating.
  • Desks range between surface heights of 71cm - 75cm with a clear floor space of between 69cm - 73cm.
  • There are higher tables available at a height of 110cm.
  • There are coffee tables at a height of 44cm.
  • There are open access computers available for use.
  • The majority of chairs are 45cm high with armrests on both side.
  • There are chairs 45cm high without armrests.
  • There are height adjustable chairs where the open access computers are located both with and without armrests.
  • There are stools without armrests at a height of 77cm.
  • There is also various bench seating and lower level chairs with armrests.
  • There are 2 desks with open access computers where priority is given to wheelchair users on the upper ground floor of the Study Hub 5m from the Study Hub entrance (as shown in photograph 10).
  • The desk here has a surface height of 72cm with a clear floor space of 70cm.
  • There is a higher desk with open access computers with a surface height of 90cm.
  • Please note, although the Social Zone is open 24 hours, during term time the library closes the adjoining shutter at midnight and there is no step free access to exit the building when the library is closed.

Library

  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in large print.
  • This library does not 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, large rollerball mouse, height adjustable table and height adjustable chair is / are available.
  • Comments View
    • The library has a Self Service Laptop loans Dispenser located on the ground floor and on the first floor in the computer area.
    • The lap top drawers are between 35cm and 169cm from the floor.
    • The touchscreen controls are between 103cm - 133cm.
    • Photographs 7 and 8 show one to one room 4 located on the first floor.

Assistive Technology Room

  • The Assistive Technology Room is located in the Social Zone on the ground floor and can be accessed step free via the ramp from the library.
  • The room requires a keycard to access with the card reader at a height of 120cm.
  • The door opens automatically away and has a width of 90cm.
  • Within the room there are height adjustable chairs and desks.
  • Other facilities available on request include: dictaphones, foot rests and backrests for lumber support.
  • The computers in the room have the following accessible software: Sonocent Audio Note Taker, Mindview and Read and Write Text Help.

Careers Services

  • The Career Services are located on the ground floor on the right side of the library as you enter.
  • There are three rooms which are associated with Career Services.
  • Photographs 1 and 2 show the career appointments room.
  • There is a single door which opens away from you to access this room. The door may be heavy and has a width of 77cm.
  • This room contains chairs with armrests and desks at the height of 72cm.
  • Photographs 3 and 4 show the Employability Services Room (H7).
  • There is reduced access to this room due to storage of a movable shelving unit.
  • Photographs 5 and 6 show the second Employability Room.
  • This room is accessed via a single push door.
  • The door is permanently held open and has a width of 76cm.
  • The room contains desks, computers and chairs with and without armrests.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • The stairs are located ahead as you enter the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 18m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to access the stairwell on the first floor.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The steps are not 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is an additional staircase located in the linking corridor between the right side of the library and the Dolce Vita Café (photographs 3 and 4).
    • They provides access to G and 1. The steps are medium height and clearly marked.
    • The stairs have a handrail on the left going up.
    • There are 2 additional steps located at the door which provides access to the stairs.
    • The door opens towards you and may be heavy.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right on entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 90cm x 140cm (2ft 11in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not 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 lift has a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.
  • Comments View
    • The lift can also be entered externally (photograph 4).
    • The lift is used to provide step free access to the chapel.
    • This is designated as floor chapel
    • This leads to a ramp that leads to the chapel entrance on the ground floor of the chapel.

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are not available.
  • Comments View
    • The nearest accessible toilets are located in the linking corridor between the library and the Dolce Vita Café.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are shared standard toilets facilities on the lower ground floor, the ground floor and the first floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A shared standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the rear of the first floor.
    • There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 41m from the lift.
    • There is not a/are not cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are two medium steps with no handrail leading to the toilets on the ground floor (photographs 4 and 5).
    • There are further shared toilets located on the lower ground floor of the Social Zone (photograph 6 and 7).