Overview

Aberdeen Central Library is a community hub and warm bank that serves the infamous Granite City. Spread over three floors, with public-use computers, a vast media library, and two accessible toilets, this historic building fulfils its role well.

Transport & Parking

There are no parking facilities immediately outside the library; however, the 10c, 12, 35, and 50 bus services stop further up the street.

Access

There are two access routes to the library, via the descending ramp on the right, leading to a lift, or via the ascending ramp on the left, which takes you into the media centre. The lift on the right side was undergoing maintenance during my visit, but there wasn’t a sign on the door, which caused some delay. I called the number on the wall, and a member of staff came to greet me and took me around to the left entrance. Both entrances have automatic doors, which were pinned open during my visit. The media centre on the ground floor is spacious, with plenty of computers, tables, and sockets for charging devices. They loan CDs and DVDs in this area. I wasn’t able to confirm if the computers had accessible software installed. Printing and photocopying facilities are available on this floor. I passed through the media centre to access the lift in the top right corner of the room. The lift is definitely old. It has space for a powerchair, but not enough room to turn inside. It features Braille buttons and grab rails. The library on the first floor has plenty of seating and ample room to manoeuvre between the rows of bookshelves. There are self-service checkout terminals, but these are set back on a counter, which may make them hard to reach for some. The children’s section is on the second floor. Although I couldn’t use the right-hand lift, I was informed it’s the same type as the one I used. The counters in both the library and media centre have lowered sections. Additionally, there is a selection of audio, Braille, and large-print books available in the library. There are traffic lights on the street outside, with dropped kerbs and tactile paving.

Toilets

There are two accessible toilets at this location. The first is on the right as you enter via the descending ramp. The door has a plastic disc with Braille lettering. It requires a Radar key to open and swings inward. The door is secured from the inside by raising the lever. The toilet is accessed through another door on the right, which is pinned open. The room is spacious, with plenty of space to turn and can easily accommodate several people. There’s a low, small sink with a grab rail to the right and hot and cold taps with long handles. The toilet seat is on the right, close to the wall, so only a left-side transfer is possible, but there’s ample space. There are grab rails on either side, and the flush is located on the cistern above the seat. The seat does not contrast with the rest of the toilet, but the grab rails are blue and set against white tiles. A wall-mounted hand dryer and paper hand towels are available. The second toilet is on the first floor, at the entrance to the library. When I attended at 11 a.m., the toilet hadn’t been unlocked for the day, though the library staff were quick to unlock it. There are no external Braille markings for this toilet. It has a folding door, which I find difficult to open when seated in my wheelchair. This toilet does not have a Radar lock and is secured from the inside by twisting the metal knob. The toilet seat is directly ahead as you enter. The seat contrasts with the rest of the toilet, and there are blue grab rails on either side. A left-side transfer is possible. The low sink has a sensor-operated tap, a mirror above, and grab rails on either side. A baby changing counter is available. There is a hand dryer and paper towel dispenser, but these are positioned above bins, which may make them awkward to use. The red emergency cord reached the floor in both toilets.

Staff

The staff were helpful. I spoke at length with a gentleman from the Media Centre, who popped down to meet me when the lift was out of order. He was apologetic about the lift maintenance not being signposted and was happy to show me around the building. Similarly the staff at the library desk were happy to chat and unlocked the toilet promptly, when I mentioned it was closed.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I'd suggest making sure the accessible toilet in the library is unlocked at all times. Though I could ask for it to be opened, others may not be able to. In addition, time is often a factor when needing to use the facilities and it isn't pleasant to broadcast to strangers that you need to go.

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