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Houghton-le-Spring Library & Customer Service Centre

74 Newbottle Street, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne & Wear, DH4 4AF

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a library, learning centre and a customer service point.

Opening Times (Library)

  • Monday 09:30 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 09:30 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 09:30 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 09:30 - 19:00.
  • Friday 09:30 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 14:00.
  • Sunday Closed.

Opening Times (Customer Service Centre)

  • Monday Closed.
  • Tuesday 13:30 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 09:30 - 13:00.
  • Wednesday Closed.
  • Thursday Closed.
  • Friday 13:30 - 17:00.
  • Friday 09:30 - 13:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Chester-le-Street.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 138cm (4ft 6in).
  • Comments View
    • This entrance gives direct access from the street to level 0 of the building.

Outside Access (Car Park Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 143cm (4ft 8in).
  • Comments View
    • This entrance gives direct access from the car park to level -1.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are -1, 0 and 1.
    • 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 medium.
  • Escalators View
    • Escalator(s) can be used to access other floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by escalator are 0 and 1.
    • The escalators steps are not clearly marked.
    • The foot and head of the escalators are not clearly marked.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you enter via the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are -1, 0 and 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the 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 94cm x 137cm (3ft 1in x 4ft 6in).
  • 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 low.

Outside Access (Library and Learning Centre Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor, to the left as you exit the lift.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • Level access is via lift.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 149cm (4ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • There are security barriers immediately beyond the entrance.
    • The width between the security barriers is 93cm.

Reception (Customer Service Centre Desk)

  • The desk/counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the library entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • Comments View
    • There is seating near the desk.
    • Some of the seats have armrests.

Reception (Library)

  • The desk/counter is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the library 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 medium.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

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 rollerball mouse, height adjustable table and height adjustable chair is / are available.
  • Other computer auxiliary aids include Windows Magnifier, Scanner with zoom facility.
  • Equipment available for people with a visual impairment includes magnifyer sheets.
  • Comments View
    • There is a self-service issue and return machine available (shown in photogaph 6).
    • The height to the scanner is 77cm.
    • The height to the top of the screen is 148cm.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • 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.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the library entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located along the staff corridor, to the right as you enter the library.
    • There is level access to this 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 outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 149cm x 182cm (4ft 11in x 5ft 12in).
    • 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 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • 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 an emergency alarm.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are non-infectious waste, clinical waste, sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab 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 is not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (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 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 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.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • Please contact a member of staff to access the accessible toilet.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

Additional Info

  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • Home visits / services are available.
  • Comments View
    • Home visits are via the ‘Books at Home’ service.
    • Access to Wi-Fi is available.