Overview

Islington Central Library is a public library with good step free access and an accessible toilet.

Transport & Parking

The library is between tube stations Holloway Road (not step free) and Highbury and Islington tube stations (is not step free for all platforms). There are several buses that stop along the Holloway Road or by Highbury Corner and from there it is a short level access walk to the library.

Access

The library has two entrances, one of Holloway Road and one on Fieldway Crescent. Both entrances has step free access and automatic double doors. There is a lift or stairs with handrails to the upper floor. I attended a couple of talks where there was free standing and fixed seating, and the alternative book fair, I struggled standing in the queue waiting to go into one of the rooms for the talks and the upper room, I think it might have been the gallery, was where the book stalls were. This space was crowded, it was very difficult to walk round the room and there was no where to sit in there. This did not feel very accessible and I just left, as it was not a very inclusive space.

Toilets

There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor. Although it is spacious it is cluttered with bins which could make it difficult for wheelchair users to use. It was clean and tidy. There were plenty of grab rails and an emergency cord that reached towards the floor.

Staff

I attended the alternative book fair, so the library was busy that day. I only spoke to staff briefly, showing my ticket into the talks and on leaving I gave some feedback about lack of seating and the layout of the book stalls.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I hope the feedback I left about accessibility will be reflected on how arrangements for future events are planned. I would feel happy returning to use the general library facilities but I not too sure about attending another book fair. This was their first one and while lots of it was excellent, some thought about making it a more equitable experience for disabled visitors needs to be given.

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