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Colchester Library

21 Trinity Square, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JB

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Access Guide

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Temporary Closure - September 2024 to July 2025

  • This venue will be temporarily closed for building refurbishment from 2nd September 2024 to July 2025.
  • During this time, other libraries in the area will open for longer hours to compensate. There will also be Sunday openings at Prettygate Library, and a mobile library will visit Colchester High Street regularly.
  • Please contact Essex County Council for further information.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Colchester Town Station.
  • Comments View
    • Bus stops are available within 150m via St. Johns Green (ramped/stepped access) or High Street (level access).

Opening Times

  • Monday 09:00 - 17:30.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 17:30.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 19:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 17:30.
  • Friday 09:00 - 17:30.
  • Saturday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 13:00 - 16:00.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

Outside Access (Trinity Square - Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
  • 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 164cm (5ft 5in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • There is a security barrier just beyond the second set of doors which is 101cm in width.

Reception (Ground Floor)

  • The desk/counter is 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is a touch screen.
  • The touch screen is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.

Inside Access

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

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.
  • Accessible software includes Zoomtext.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
  • Other computer auxiliary aids include height adjustable chairs.
  • Comments View
    • There are self service checkout machines located on the ground and first floors with operating heights of 100cm - 125cm.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • 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.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There is an escalator to access other floors however, as of July 2024, the escalator was out of use.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left of the reception desk.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) 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 95cm x 130cm (3ft 1in x 4ft 3in).
  • There are not 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 controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Reception (First Floor Information Desk)

  • The desk/counter is 24m (26yd 9in) from the lift.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • Level access to the desk/counter is via lift.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Staff are not trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.

Other Floors (Study Gallery)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1-Mezzanine.
    • 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.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are Study Gallery.

Changing Places

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located to the left as you enter.
    • The facility is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is level access into the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • It is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a member of staff.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The width of the door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 278cm x 378cm (9ft 1in x 12ft 5in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 180cm (5ft 11in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by loop.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 165cm (5ft 5in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Dropdown rails are provided for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is available.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter the Library.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key can be obtained from ground floor reception.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 135cm x 295cm (4ft 5in x 9ft 8in).
    • 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 69cm (2ft 3in).
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a low colour contrast between the external door and wall.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • 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 78cm (2ft 7in).

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.