Bath and North East Somerset Libraries

• Local services stop on Broad Street. Park and Ride buses stop a short walk away on Milsom Street. Both are within approximately 150m of the venue.

• The nearest train station is Bath Spa.

• The Podium car park has 13 accessible parking bays.

• There is no street level access to the library. The library is on the first floor of the building.

• Access is via the Podium building and Waitrose. The area outside of the Podium building is paved.

• Lifts, escalators, and stairs provide access to the main entrance of the library on the first floor.

• Escalator access leads to automatic doors which open out towards you. The width of the opening is 170cm.

• The lift and stairs are open to a foyer. The width of the opening is 149cm.

• The foyer opens into the library.

• There may be some background noise here from the Podium, Library floor or if there is an event in the exhibition room.

• Please be aware of metal a-boards at the top of the escalator, in the foyer and in the library.

• The first-floor library, ground floor street level and lower level Podium car park are accessible via lift.

• Internally the lift has controls at 112cm.

• The width of the lift entrance is 81cm and once inside the width is 101cm.

• There is not an announcer.

• Staff wear black, blue and white uniform and blue lanyards.

• Once in the library on the first floor, there is step-free level access to the main counter.

• We do not currently have a hearing loop in this location.

• The height of the main counter is 81cm at the lower end and 99cm at the higher end.

• There is a table and chairs in this area.

• An accessible toilet is available in the Waitrose Cafe toilets; it has support rails and a mixer/swivel tap.

• Access is via the lift and through the library foyer or via the main escalator or stairs. If the library is closed, please use the side door to the Waitrose Café.

• Access to standard toilets is via the Podium, on the same level as the library, outside the library foyer.

• There is step-free access throughout the space, via the lift. The library is all on one level on the first floor of the Podium.

• There is no (or very little) background noise unless there are library or partner events taking place, but the childrens library can be noisy.

• The study area is probably the quietest space.

• Staff can provide Sensory Explorer Bags which contain adult and child ear defenders on request.

• There is seating throughout the library.

• There is both hard flooring and carpet.

• There is some content signposted on walls with different colours, for example the childrens area is green and quick select area is red.

• You are welcome to sit down and eat but please use provided bins or take your rubbish away.

• There are 18 computers which can be used by the public. Currently Windows accessibility features are disabled due to Council restrictions on access to settings on public computers. We are working to resolve this.

• There are 3 computers in the children’s area which can be used by the public. 

• The computers are at sitting height with chairs on wheels which can be moved easily if needed. There are 3 computers at standing height.

• Hublets are tablets which are free to borrow and use in the library for 2 hours per day – it is possible to enlarge font.

• Please ask staff if you need help.

• There is a large print version of this guide in the Library. Ask staff for a copy. You can also download it here: Bath Central Library Access Guide

• There is an accessibility guide, like a social story with simple information and pictures. Ask staff for a copy or download here:
  Accessible Guide to Bath Central Library

A sensory experience refers to the perception or reception of information through the five senses — sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell as described in sections below.

Crowds

• Our quieter times are generally at the beginning and end of the day, but this can change if we have events or school groups in. Please check our Events Calendar.

Lighting

• We are not able to alter the level of lighting on the main library floor.

• We are not able to alter the level of lighting on the main library floor.

• Customers with light sensitivity, may wish to access our Sensory Space, which has lighting that can be operated separately to the main library floor.

• If the Sensory Space is available, our staff can direct customers to this room.

Noise and Sound

• The study area and seated area at the back of the library are generally quiet. Customers are asked not to conduct online meetings but sometimes customers might make phone calls.  

• If we are hosting events in our main spaces, there may be some unexpected noises, so please check our event and partner timetables before visiting.

• Our partners use some of our seated areas near the main desk to host meetings or gatherings which can be noisy. 

• As a shared building we operate an evacuation procedure with Waitrose and the Podium building.

• If the fire alarm is activated and you are asked to leave the building, please let staff know if you require support to evacuate. We have an evacuation chair which is in the staff area and used on stairs in the staff area of the building.

Temperature

• We are proud to be part of the Warm Spaces scheme, meaning we are a free, heated venue in which to spend time in the winter months.

• It can get warm near the windows if the sun is shining in.

• You are welcome to bring drinks into the library. We can also provide water on request.

Smells

• There is a café at the top of the escalators, but this should not generate strong smells in the library.

• Some people may eat in the library, which is permitted.

• We do not currently have any displays with smells built in.

Sensory Space

• We have a small Sensory Space which is open to all to use, but we particularly welcome families and small groups of children and young adults with sensory needs.

• The room can be booked on Eventbrite and we offer a drop-in session between 3.30 – 4.30pm.

• If you or someone you are visiting with becomes dysregulated, or you need a quieter space, staff may be able to make the room available to you on request.

Sensory Explorer Bags

• We provide borrowable Sensory Explorer Bags for children, young people and anyone else who would benefit.

• The bags can be borrowed from the main desk and are for use in the library.

• Explore the library using the fidget aids and ear defenders to improve the visit.