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Washington Library

Independence Square, Washington, Tyne & Wear, NE38 7RX

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Access Guide

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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 Sunderland.
  • The nearest Metro Station is South Hylton.

Opening Times

  • Monday 09:30 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 09:30 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 09:30 - 19:00.
  • Thursday 09:30 - 17:00.
  • Friday 09:30 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 16:00.
  • Sunday Closed.

Parking

  • For parking information please see the Galleries Shopping Centre East car park guide.

Level Change (Library and Health Centre Approach)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp or slope is located on the path leading to the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located on the path leading to the entrance.
  • There is/are 15+ step(s) to the area/service.
  • There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

Reception (Library)

  • The desk/counter is 7m (7yd 1ft) 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 bright.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • Comments View
    • There is a self-service machine available to the left of the library reception.
    • The self-service machine is accessible to wheelchair users.

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.

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 height adjustable chair is / are available.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG and G.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • 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 in the corridor to the left as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG and G.
  • The lift is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 147cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 10in).
  • 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 not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial, tactile and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 225cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 5in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 65cm (2ft 2in).
    • 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 general domestic waste, clinical waste and sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not 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 both sides.
    • 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 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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).
    • 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 cannot 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.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s)

Baby Changing Room

  • The room is located to the left as you enter, next to the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens towards you, is single, heavy and 90cm wide.
  • There is a lever twist lock to lock the door.
  • There is a toilet and sink available.
  • The baby changing table measures 84cm once extended.

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.
  • This service cannot be requested.
  • Home visits / services are available.
  • Comments View
    • Home visits are via the ‘Books at Home’ service.
    • Access to Wi-Fi is available.

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