Overview

It's not common for a library to be opened by one of the biggest bands in the host country, but this library is far from common. On the first floor, you'll find a plaque by the lifts highlighting that the library was opened by the Manic Street Preachers in 2009. The Lord Mayor was also there, but I've not heard his album! The building hosts community events, has 38 computers available (that I could see) for hire, presentation suites, a hub for welfare and benefits advice, housing support, and operates as a warm bank. Distributed over six floors, there are storeys upon storeys of stories.

Transport & Parking

Located in the city centre, there are no dedicated parking facilities. However, it's close to the multistorey car park at John Lewis in the St David's Shopping Centre, which has accessible parking spaces on every level except level 8. Parking charges apply, even with a Blue Badge. To the rear of the library on Canal Street, there's a bus stop where the 1 City Circle, 1A, 2 City Circle, 2A, 6 Baycar, and 7 services operate.

Access

The building has level access throughout, with automatic doors at the entrance and lifts to each of the six levels, numbered 0-5. There are boards advising what can be found on each floor, printed in both English and Braille. The bright orange boards provide good contrast with the white and black text. The front desk is low, with space for a wheelchair user to tuck their legs under while speaking to a member of the library staff. Induction loops operate in the lifts and on all floors. The lifts feature braille buttons and grab rails for those who need extra support during transit. Although the lifts aren't especially large, they are suitable for powerchair users. Escalators with handrails on both sides also provide access to each floor. There is no shortage of seating throughout the library, although the seats by the windows seem to be the most popular.

Toilets

There are accessible toilets on every floor, except floor 3, but I only visited the toilet on the ground floor. As with the other toilets in the building, this one requires a RADAR key to access. The door opens outwards and has a grab rail on the inside. There is room for a left-side transfer, but the space is obstructed by bins, which is frustrating. The toilet seat is blue, providing contrast with the toilet pan, but the grab rails on either side are white. The low, small sink has a lever-style tap and white grab rails on both sides. Although the rails don't provide strict contrast, the bright orange walls create a clear visual distinction. The toilet wasn't particularly clean, but at least the red cord was free of obstruction. Please note, there is a short ramp to access the toilet on the first floor.

Staff

The staff were very friend, and eager to provide guidance around the library.

Photos