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Birkenhead Central Library

Borough Road, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 2XB

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Access Guide

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Opening Times

  • Monday 09:00 - 13:00.
  • Monday 14:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 13:00.
  • Tuesday 14:00 - 19:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 13:00.
  • Wednesday 14:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 13:00.
  • Thursday 14:00 - 19:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 13:00.
  • Friday 14:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 09:00 - 13:00.
  • Saturday 14:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday Closed.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Birkenhead Central.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
    • There is ramped/sloped and stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 180cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the pathway leading to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of and beyond the entrance.
    • There is/are 14 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a second lower handrail.

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the pathway leading to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 124cm (4ft 1in).

Outside Access (Garden Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • Comments View
    • The entrance is only accessed from inside the library and gives access to the rear garden.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the accessible 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 medium.
  • 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 a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • 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.
  • Accessible software includes Zoomtext.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
  • A height adjustable table and height adjustable chair is / are available.
  • Comments View
    • There is a children's library on the ground floor, to the right of reception.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G,1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left of the reception.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G,1.
  • The lift is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 100cm (3ft 3in x 3ft 3in).
  • 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 not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not 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.
  • Comments View
    • This lift can only be used by people requiring assistance or with buggies etc.

Reference Library

  • There is a reference library available on the first floor, 18m from the lift.
  • It is accessed by double doors that open towards you and are 140cm wide.
  • There are security barriers just beyond the entrance that are 90cm wide.

Reception (Reference Library)

  • The desk/counter is 3m (3yd 10in) from the Reference Library Entrance.
  • There is not level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Accessible Toilet (Right 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 28m (30yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located immediately beyond the main entrance.
    • 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 locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 190cm x 400cm (6ft 3in x 13ft 1in).
    • 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 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • 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 fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 137cm 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 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 a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 80cm (2ft 7in).

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents are available 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 can be requested.
  • Home visits / services are available.