Access for visitors with disabilities

Parking

There are three parking bays on the west side of the building, in Ossulston Street. They are metered 8.30-18.30. These are much in demand and not designated for sole Library use. Midland Road is now a southbound-only clearway with no parking bays.

Access to the Piazza is through the 'Portico' entrance on Euston Road.

Staff at the Information Desk in the Entrance Hall can arrange a taxi if required.

Routes on to the Library site

Signs showing a wheelchair symbol guide you to the left for the Conference Centre and to the right for the entrance to the main building.

There are several levels and steps when walking directly from the Portico to the entrance of the main building. The surface is Portland stone and terracotta, and it can be slippery in wet conditions. Occasionally it may be closed in the winter.

Entering the main building

There are four wide shallow steps from the ground level to the doors. Wheelchair users can use the ramp to the right. The centre doors of the main entrance open automatically. The non-automatic doors are heavy so assistance may be needed by those using a wheelchair or with an assistance dog. Security staff will be happy to assist.

The Information Desk is opposite and slightly to the right of the entrance doors. To the right of the Information Desk there is a ramp to the lower ground floor for the cloakroom and locker room, the public telephones and the lifts serving all floors.

On the right-hand side towards the rear is a lift that will accommodate a standard-size wheelchair and gives access to the lower ground and upper ground floors only.

Entering the Conference Centre

For those attending conferences, meetings or public events, access is from the Piazza and then up a ramp to the left. Assistance may be needed for those using a wheelchair or with an assistance dog.

Please check in at the Reception Desk on arrival. There is a lift within the reception area that will accommodate a standard-size wheelchair and gives access to the foyer, auditorium and meeting rooms on the first floor of the Conference Centre.

Induction loops are installed in the Auditorium. Seats on the front row or by the central aisle can be reserved for patrons with disabilities, subject to availability.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs for use by visitors, can be booked in advance of your visit by contacting Visitor Services:

• Tel: +44 (0)20 7412 7332

Please note that assistance cannot be provided to use these wheelchairs.

Toilets

There are toilets on all floors of the Library, including adapted toilets for those with disabilities.

Lifts, stairs and escalators

All lifts have vocal announcements and controls at a convenient height for wheelchair users.

Hearing impaired visitors

A Textphone is available at the Information Desk for public use. The number is +44 (0)20 7387 0634. All public telephones are fitted with inductive couplers. Induction loops are fitted at all information, enquiry and sales desks. Induction loops are installed in many areas of the Conference Centre, including the Auditorium.

Animals

Assistance dogs are welcome in the building with their owners.

Emergency procedures

Should it be necessary to evacuate the building a continuous alarm will sound. Security staff will then assist visitors to leave the galleries and all other public spaces.

Further information

If you have further needs or require more information, please contact Visitor Services:

• Tel: +44 (0)20 7412 7332
• Textphone: +44 (0)20 7387 0626
• Email: visitor-services@bl.uk