Venue Description

The Library of Birmingham has been designed to be as easily accessible as possible for all visitors. The Library's design team were assisted by input from the Birmingham Access Committee, who were involved throughout the design process.

Accessibility

Wheelchair and ambulant access Level access entry to front and back of building Doors open on an automated push button or sensor Lifts located close to the entrance and easily identifiable by the blue lobby walls easily identifiable Automated doors to the lift lobby (Please note that the doors to the Lower Ground Floor lift lobby do not open automatically. This is because of the close proximity to the Children's Library and the need to keep children safe). Mirrors in lifts for wheelchair reversing All manual opening doors meet opening resistance parameters Lower counter provided at Information Points Lower façade benching Platform lift to access Book Browse Studio Theatre has front seats and removable seats to pit to allow wheelchair access Children’s steps front row is accessible BFI Mediathequeue - one wheelchair-accessible booth Amphitheatre has wheelchair viewing on terrace in font of handrail Fire fighting evacuation lifts Wheelchair access through the turnstile in our services reception Visual access Colour contrast throughout the building has been carefully considered All glass has markings on it so that it is more easily seen Braille and embossed signs are used on toilets and lift lobbies throughout the building Audio information in lifts An audio guide, including a tour, is available for people with visual impairments. Please ask at the reception desk in the foyer Braille copies of the Visitor Guide are available from the reception desk in the foyer - please ask a member of staff Supernova is available on every computer. This is a specialist programme which is suitable for anyone with a visual impairment and offers a screen magnifier, screen reader and support for Braille displays Windows 7 has a range of tools to make access easier. These are available by selecting all programmes then accessories followed by accessibility Readit touch (a sophisticated desktop reading machine and magnifier) available on the Knowledge Floor (level 2) Clearview Speech (a table top machine which magnifies and reads aloud) available in the Children's Library Clear Reader + (a portable text reader, similar to Readit touch) is kept in the Children's library and can be used throughout the building Accessible keyboard for people who work better with large keys and bold colours are available in the Children's Library Large trackball mouse (makes controlling the pointer on screen easier) is available in the Children's Library Good selection of audio books and large print books Hearing access Induction loops (for use by people with hearing aids) available at all staffed information desks and in the Studio Theatre Meeting rooms have infra red hearing enhancements systems, for which we can provide a pendant on request in advance

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: http://www.libraryofbirmingham.com/article/visiting/accessforall

Toilets

Changing Places room on lower ground floor. When the library is closed, there are alternative Changing Places facilities at the Bullring. http://changingplaces.uktoiletmap.org/toilet/view/362

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.