Overview

Manchester Central Library is a majestic building. Distributed over six floors, this rotunda-style structure inspired by the Pantheon in Rome really is a sight to behold. With accessible computers, accessible toilets on every public floor, a Changing Places Toilet, a study hall, and a cafe, it truly is a place for everyone. This review is specific to the toilet and not the library as a whole.

Transport & Parking

There are no dedicated parking facilities, but the library is directly across from St Peter's Square Metrolink.

Access

The toilets are accessed by taking the lift or stairs down to the basement level. There are Braille buttons and grab rails in each of the lifts, one of which was out of order on my visit. The signage to the toilet is poor, made all the worse by the fact the toilet is tucked away and not immediately obvious. I could understand well enough that the toilet was on the basement level, but it was unclear where it was actually situated on that floor.

Toilets

There is a Changing Places toilet, which has all the essentials, but it's let down by poor signage and a barrier to entry. Located on the basement level, the toilet is accessed using a key card, which is carried by staff members. This would be fine if the toilet were located in one of the main library areas. The toilet is near the lending library on the basement level and can be found by travelling along the corridor, to your right as you exit the lifts but it's tucked away and easy to miss. I had asked about the facility when I came in via the upper floor, but the staff member I spoke with said there wasn’t one, only a baby change. When I finally tracked down a member of staff on the basement level, I was able to access the toilet. The toilet is spacious, with many of the facilities one would expect in a Changing Places toilet. It features a large, adjustable changing bed, a towel dispenser for the bed, and a ceiling track hoist. There are grab rails on either side of the toilet seat, with the flush located on the right when seated. There is space for both right and left-side transfers, although there is a bin in the left-side space. The emergency cord is on the left when seated, and it hung to the floor during my visit. To the left of the toilet is a large height-adjustable sink with a lever-style tap. A second static sink has been installed, with the tap activated by pushing a button. There are no shower facilities, despite the wetroom style floor. I didn’t spot a colostomy shelf. The door opens outward and is heavy. When exiting, a button on the wall is used to unlock the door. A large mirror is provided, which is something many places forget to install. Despite the many positive aspects of the toilet, the requirement to seek a member of staff when a RADAR key would do, and the onus on a disabled person or their carer to track down a member of staff, is a huge negative. Access solutions are as important as the toilet itself, and the lack of signage is a huge issue in my opinion. There are additional accessible toilets on every floor of the library.

Staff

I've rated the staff a four collectively. The person who wasn't aware there was a Changing Places Toilet was very helpful, this is clearly a knowledge gap. The member of staff who allowed me to access the toilet was pleasant and quick to help when I found them - but I did have to find them

Photos