Bath and North East Somerset Libraries

• The nearest train station is Bath Spa which is 0.1 miles away.

• Some buses stop on Manvers Street but buses to most destinations operate from Bath Bus Station on Southgate Street which is 0.2 miles away.

• There is a bike ramp outside.

• If arriving by car, taxis can pull up to drop you at the front of the building.

• The nearest car park with disabled spaces is at Manvers Street, over the road. Southgate is opposite the train station. 

• There is street level access to the building via a ramp with rails. There is one step which can be avoided.

• The main entrance is accessed via two sets of automatic sliding double doors.

• The flooring outside the entrance is tarmacked and level.  

• The side entrance is at the front of the building at the right-hand side.

• Access is via a single automatic door. The doorway is 122 cm wide.

• This door is better to use if you have access needs as it is nearer the information desk inside.

• There are two areas where staff can help you – a raised information desk which is 74cm high and the main counter which is 74cm high.

• Staff wear black and white uniform and a lanyard. Seating is available.

• There is no hearing loop at this location.

• Customers are advised to book an interpreter to attend with them if required.

• An accessible toilet is located alongside the standard toilets and is accessed via a push door. Please ask staff if you require help.

• There is step free access to this toilet. The door has a twist lock, and the room has support rails and a lever tap. There is a red emergency pull cord.

• A second accessible toilet is located to the right of the information desk. There is step free access to this toilet. The door has a twist lock, and the room has support rails and a lever tap. There is a red emergency pull cord.

• One male and one female standard toilet is available to the left of the main entrance. 

• Access is step free via a push door.

• A baby change unit is available in the accessible toilet.

• There is seating and step-free access throughout the space.

• There is no tactile flooring.

• The area can sometimes be noisy and there may be background noise from the street.

• Staff can point you to a quieter area if you need it and subject to availability.

• Soundproof pods are used by partners for appointments. These are quiet as sound does not travel from them.

• Sensory Explorer Bags containing ear defenders are available if you ask staff.

• There are four computers and three iPads to access the resident self-service portal.

• Hublets are tablets which are free to borrow and use in the space.

• It is possible to enlarge font on tablets and Hublets.

• Please ask staff if you need help.

• You can access council services on our telephones.

• There are two public phone booths which connect to council services and three portable handsets.

• Staff can help with using these.

• There is a large print version of this guide in the Library. Ask staff for a copy. You can also download it here: Bath Housing, Welfare and Advice Services 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 Housing, Welfare and Advice Services

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

• This is a busy location, and it is difficult to predict quieter times.

• You can check our partner timetable in the next tab to see what is happening in each location.

• It can get busy when we have lots of partners services visiting.  

Lighting

• For those with light sensitivity issues, lighting can be turned off over our pods.

• Partner services regularly use this space, so please talk to staff about this.

Noise and Sound

• Pods are soundproofed so are quieter than the main floor.  This floor is shared with the police and there can sometimes be unexpected noise.

• Our toilets have noisy hand driers but also towels if you prefer.

• There is quiet seating to the right of the information desk.

• Regular fire alarm tests take place outside of opening hours. The fire alarm should flash red when the alarm is activated.

• If you need assistance if the fire alarm sounds, please make yourself known to staff.  

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.

• We have air conditioning for warmer months.

• Tap water is available if you need it.

• In the summer months, we can provide water bottles and ice poles.

Smells

• There are no food or drink outlets on the premises, although customers are permitted to bring their own food and drink.

• The air conditioning is odourless and there is a lot of air flow due to the use of the external doors throughout the day.