Overview

This library is unconventional, as it's in a shopping centre, the Wellgate Centre to be exact. Located on the second floor, accessed via the lift or escalators it does everything a library should but there are a few shortcomings.

Transport & Parking

Located in the heart of Dundee, the Wellgate Centre and by association, the Central Library is serviced by buses on Victoria Road, with the nearest bus stop 150 metres away, and can be accessed on foot. When entering Victoria Road, there are a lot of steps, there's also a winding ramp down to the entrance, which has a handrail but make sure your brakes are working if using a wheelchair, it's pretty steep! The Wellgate Centre has parking facilities, with 10 accessible spaces but please be aware that the entrance and standard spaces are narrow. There is no blue badge concession at this location.

Access

The lift used to access the second floor, where the library is located, is small, I couldn't turn my wheelchair inside and had to reverse out. There are no tactile markings on any of the floors at the lifts, and no Braille markings on the buttons, I didn't observe any markings that suggested an induction loop was in operation in the lift. The centre has smooth, tiled floors that make it easy to traverse, whether walking or on wheels. On approach to the library, this changes to laminate flooring and thin carpet. There's a lip of less than a centimetre when entering the library, on either side upon entry are two security scanners - to detect books that haven't been checked out properly. There is a touch pad for the door that opens inward, but I didn't need to use this as the door was pinned open. On the right upon entry, there are shelves of reference books, above this is a raised platform with more shelves. This section has ramp and step access, though the ramp is behind the bookshelves. There is no lowered section at the reception desk, but the staff were quick to ask if I needed assistance. There are 16 computers in the computer lab in the middle of the floor, they all have desk chairs that can be moved but the desks appear to be static. Though no detail was provided the computers all have accessibility software installed. The library has a selection of braille, large print, and audiobooks. They also have C-Pen available upon request for those who require it. An induction loop operates within the library.

Toilets

Whilst not inside the library, there is an accessible toilet across the hall that serves the library. This is well signposted and is spacious enough to accommodate several carers. A radar key is required to access this toilet, which is locked from the inside by raising a lever. If you don't have a radar key, the library staff will provide this. The door opens inward. The toilet is large enough to accommodate several carers but does not have changing facilities. The toilet has grab rails to the right of the sink and on either side of the toilet seat. The sink is low and features a large mirror and a mixer tap, operated by a lever handle, a wall-mounted soap dispenser and a shelf with sanitary products. The toilet seat is low, with transfer possible from either side. The flush is located behind and above your head when seated. There is an emergency call button on the wall and an orange emergency pull cord, which can only be reached when sitting on the toilet as it doesn't touch the floor. There's a coat hook, waste and sanitary bins and the hand dryer is directly across from the toilet seat. The toilet also features a wall-mounted baby seat for those who may have a baby or toddler with them.

Staff

The staff were quick to notice me and check if I needed help. When I explained I was investigating access, they told me where the accessible toilets were and let me know that they had a key.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The library is a pleasant and light space, clearly a valued community space and a nice place to read or take a break. The poor accessibility features in the lift take away some of the library's value as it limits inclusion overall. Libraries are for everyone; they shouldn't be difficult to access. The accessible toilet was clean and featured the most expected amenities, but the short emergency cord is a concern. If someone had an accident they wouldn't be able to reach it the cord. They could call for help, but the library is so far across the hall that it's unlikely they'd be heard if they did. With a few minor changes, this library could be all the more inclusive.

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