Venue Description

Cambridge Central Library, situated at the heart of the city, is a three-storey library which provides a range of valuable community services. Visitors can browse a collection of books, DVDs, audiobooks, music scores and newspapers. The library offers the use of spaces for studying, working, meeting or simply unwinding. A free library membership allows to borrow items in our stock, laptops, and free use of Wi-Fi, PCs and scanners. Printing and photocopying are also available on site for a small charge. The library hosts events, reading groups, as well as learning crafts and leisure activities for children, teenagers and adults. Additionally, it provides exceptional meeting rooms for hire at highly competitive rates.

Accessibility

Outside Access (Main Entrance): There is not 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 228cm (7ft 6in). The security device inside these doors reduce the width to 92cm. Level Change (Main Entrance) There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service. The ramp or slope is located to the left as you face the entrance. The ramp/slope is easy. 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 both sides. The width of the ramp/slope is 136cm (4ft 6in). There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service. The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance. There is/are 5 step(s) to the area/service. The lighting levels at the step(s) are bright. The step(s) is/are 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. The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s). Reception (Level 1): The desk/counter is 13m (14yd 8in) from the main entrance. There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance. The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower). The lighting levels are bright. There is a hearing assistance system. The type of system is a portable loop. Staff are trained to use the system. Inside Access: There is level access to the service(s). Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue. The lighting levels are bright. Library: This library has books in Braille for children only. This library has a regular supply of books in large print. This library has a regular supply of books in audio format. Members of the library can borrow e-books and e-audiobooks through the apps Libby/OneDrive, BorrowBox and uLibrary. Members of the library can read e-magazines and e-newspapers through the app PressReader. There is a reservation service. The library does have computers with accessible software. Auxiliary aids are available for computer users. A large text keyboard and height adjustable chair is / are available. Equipment available for people with a visual impairment includes a magnifier. Touch screens machines available to borrow and to return items. The touch screens are between 124cm and 154cm height from the floor. Other Floors Steps: The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1-2-3. There are 15+ steps between floors. The steps are clearly marked. The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm). The steps do have handrails. The steps have a handrail on both sides. There is a landing. The lighting levels are bright. Escalators: Escalator(s) can be used to access other floors. The floors which are accessible by escalator are 1-2-3. The escalators steps are not clearly marked. The foot and head of the escalators are not clearly marked. The lighting levels are bright. The escalators are go up only. Lifts: There are two lifts for public use. The lifts are located to the right as you face the level 1 reception desk. The lifts are a standard lift. The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1-2-3. The lifts are approximately 19m (20yd 2ft) 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 92cm x 192cm (3ft x 6ft 4in). There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift. There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift. The lifts do not have a visual floor indicator. The lifts do have an audible announcer. The controls for the lifts are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor. The lifts do not have Braille markings. The lift does have tactile markings. The lighting level in the lifts is bright. Reception (Level 2): 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 desk/counter is low (76cm or lower). The lighting levels are bright. There is a hearing assistance system. The type of system is a portable loop. Staff are trained to use the system. Reception (Level 3): The desk/counter is 9m (9yd 2ft) 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 bright. There is a hearing assistance system. The type of system is a portable loop. Staff are trained to use the system. Eating and Drinking (Seating Area Only): No tables are permanently fixed. No chairs are permanently fixed. No chairs have armrests. The nearest table is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the seating area entrance. The standard height for tables is 71cm. There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre. The café facilities are no longer available.

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/directory/listings/Cambridge-Central-Library

Accessible Performances

Some accessible performances are offered by The Library Presents during the year. More information here: https://www.library.live/the-library-presents https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/libraries-leisure-culture/libraries/news-and-events/the-library-presents

Awards List

City of Sanctuary UK - Cambridge Central Library received 'Library of Sanctuary Status' for demonstrating hospitality, solidarity and welcome to new arrivals in the area - 2023 Caring Together - Cambridge Central Library awarded with 'Carer Friendly Tick Communities' for supporting carers and raising awareness about issues relating to carers - 2022 Cambridge BID Awards - Cambridge Central Library awarded with 'Silver Accreditation' for overall customer experience - 2021

Toilets

Accessible Toilet (Level 1) Accessible toilet facilities are available. Location and access: The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people. There is pictorial, Braille and tactile signage on or near the toilet door. This accessible toilet is approximately 22m (24yd 2in) from the main entrance. This accessible toilet is located to the left as you face the level 1 reception. There is level access to this accessible toilet. Features and Dimensions: This is a unisex toilet. A key is required for the accessible toilet. The key is a radar key. The key can be obtained from the reception desk. The door opens outwards. The door is locked by a locking handle. The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in). The door is heavy. The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 176cm x 215cm (5ft 9in x 7ft 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 95cm (3ft 1in). 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 not fully functional. The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed. Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle. There is a/are sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units. There is not a/are not coat hook(s). Position of Fixtures: Wall-mounted grab rails are available. As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides. 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 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in). The height of the towel dispenser is 110cm (3ft 7in). 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: The contrast between the external door and wall is good. The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair. The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good. The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good. The contrast between the walls and floor is good. The lighting levels are bright. Accessible Toilet (Level 2) Accessible toilet facilities are available. Location and Access: The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people. There is no signage on or near the toilet door. This accessible toilet is approximately 22m (24yd 2in) from the lift. This accessible toilet is located on level 2. There is level access to this accessible toilet. This is by lift. Features and Dimensions: This is a unisex toilet. A key is required for the accessible toilet. The key is a radar key. The key can be obtained from the reception desk. The door opens outwards. The door is locked by a locking handle. The width of the accessible toilet door is 80cm (2ft 7in). The door is heavy. The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 182cm x 218cm (5ft 12in x 7ft 2in). 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 left. The lateral transfer space is 113cm (3ft 8in). There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side. There is a flush, however it is not 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 not fully functional. The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed. Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle. There is a/are sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units. There is not a/are not coat hook(s). Position of Fixtures 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 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 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in). The height of the towel dispenser is 115cm (3ft 9in). 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 105cm (3ft 5in). 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 The contrast between the external door and wall is good. The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair. The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good. The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good. The contrast between the walls and floor is good. The lighting levels are bright. Accessible Toilet (Level 3) Accessible toilet facilities are available. Location and Access: The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people. There is pictorial, Braille and tactile signage on or near the toilet door. This accessible toilet is approximately 22m (24yd 2in) from the lift. This accessible toilet is located next to the cafe. There is level access to this accessible toilet. This is by lift. Features and Dimensions: This is a unisex toilet. A key is required for the accessible toilet. The key is a radar key. The key can be obtained from the reception desk. The door opens outwards. The door is locked by a locking handle. The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in). The door is heavy. The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 174cm x 268cm (5ft 9in x 8ft 10in). 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 left. The lateral transfer space is 85cm (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 an emergency alarm. The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional. The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed. Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle. There is a/are open waste paper bin and sanitary disposal units. There is not a/are not coat hook(s). Position of Fixtures: 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 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 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in). The height of the towel dispenser is 112cm (3ft 8in). 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: The contrast between the external door and wall is good. The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair. The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good. The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good. The contrast between the walls and floor is good. The lighting levels are bright. Standard Toilet(s) (Level 3) Availability and Location of Standard Toilets 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 on level 3 next to the cafe. The female and male toilets are approximately 21m (22yd 2ft) from the lift. Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets. This is by lift. Lighting levels are medium. Baby Change Unit There is a stand alone baby change unit next to the level 1 accessible toilet. The baby change unit also has a sink, toilet and disposable bin within it. The baby change unit is 87cm from floor level.

Staff

Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training. Documents are not available in Braille. Documents are not 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 cannot be requested. The Library at Home service is available to residents, who are members of the library and registered with Library at Home, on a permanent or temporary basis. For more information: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/libraries-leisure-culture/libraries/advice-and-support/library-at-home-service

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

N/A

Other assistance dog facilities

N/A