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John Rylands Research Institute and Library

150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH

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Access Guide

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Temporary changes as of 2024 to Spring 2025

  • As of April 2024, the building will be undergoing redevelopment until Spring 2025.
  • This will result in temporary changes to the building access and layout.
  • During this time, a temporary entrance on Spinningfields (south elevation of the Library, heading towards Manchester Magistrates' Court) will be available. The entrance is level and consists of manual doors. A member of library staff will be stationed here to assist visitors with entry and exit.
  • The shop will close in March 2024 and reopen spring 2025.
  • There will be temporary changes to the reception desk area however, staff will be present to welcome and assist visitors.
  • Access to the lift and levels will remain the same.
  • The exhibition spaces will close for redevelopment from August 2024 until Spring 2025.
  • From August 2024 until Spring 2025, all visitors will need to pre-book for a guided visit to the library.

Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include exhibition galleries and a library containing rare books and manuscripts.
  • Comments View
    • From August 2024 until Spring 2025 all visitors will need to pre-book for a guided visit to the library.

Opening Times

  • Monday Closed.
  • Tuesday Closed.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday Closed.
  • Comments View
    • The opening times are the visitor opening times only.
    • The opening times for the reader service are 10.00 to 17.00 Monday to Saturday, open late until 19:00 on Thursdays.

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the city.
  • This venue is situated in Manchester.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • The nearest mainline station is Salford Central.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On street marked Blue Badge bays are not available.
  • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance - Out of Use as of 2024)

  • This information is for the entrance located off Deansgate.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
  • Second set of doors View
    • The automatic doors are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • There is also a revolving door on the right of the automatic door.
    • As of April 2024, this entrance will be shut until Spring 2025.
    • During this time, a temporary entrance on Spinningfields (south elevation of the Library, heading towards Manchester Magistrates' Court) will be available. The entrance is level and consists of manual doors.

Reception (Main Reception / Visitor Information)

  • The desk/counter is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The desk/counter is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are not trained to use the system.
  • Comments View
    • As of April 2024, until Spring 2025, there will be temporary changes to the reception desk area. However, staff will be present to welcome and assist visitors.
    • From August 2024 until Spring 2025 all visitors will need to pre-book for a guided visit to the library.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • Customers cannot charge scooters or wheelchairs at the venue.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, 1, 2, 3, 4.
    • The stairs are located to the right on entering just past the reception desk.
    • The stairs are approximately 14m from the entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The steps are 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.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located behind reception.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, G, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the accessible 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 129cm x 150cm (4ft 3in x 4ft 11in).
  • 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 does not have 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
    • There is also a small lift within the Historic Reading Room, and this is used solely to transport books from the balcony to floor level.

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 not an ordering service.
  • The library does not have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are not available for computer users.
  • Comments View
    • The library is a reference only library and no books can be taken off the premises.
    • Books wishing to be viewed need to be requested in advance and collected by staff.

Level Change (Staff Access Area)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • 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 the left going up the ramp.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located to the left of the ramp.
  • There is/are 3 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.

Level Change (Floor 1 - Exhibitions - Closed for Development as of August 2024)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • Comments View
    • The ramp has handrails both sides, and leads to the Introductory Gallery, the Activities Gallery, the Rylands and Christie Galleries and the historic toilets.
    • The Activities Gallery is equipped with audio visual touch screens.
    • As of August 2024, this area will be closed for redevelopment until Spring 2025.

Reception (Modern Reading Room)

  • The desk/counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • Level access to the desk/counter is via lift.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The desk/counter is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • There is a bell and a swipe card machine in order to gain entry to the Modern Reading Room.

Toilet with Adaptations (Basement - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial, written text, ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ and 'Stoma Friendly' signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the basement.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from reception.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 189cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 2in).
    • There is a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 147cm from the floor.
  • 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 a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a mirror.
    • 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 42cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • 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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 96cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are baby changing facilities in the accessible toilet, 90 cm high.
  • Comments View
    • There are baby changing facilities in the accessible toilet, 90 cm high.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located in the basement.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • This is by lift.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located to the left of the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 879cm (28ft 10in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
    • This is by lift.
  • Comments View
    • Both male and female standard toilets in the basement area have an ambulant cubicle.
    • There are 15+ medium steps leading to the female and male historic toilets on level 1 adjacent to the Rylands Gallery.
    • They have been kept in their original condition and can be seen in figures 3, 4,.