walking . is . overrated

Thanks to Saphiya for this review!

Ahh, the library. Not the funnest place to go, but sure is an educational one! The library doors open automatically onto a long ramp (which you have to try and steady yourself on, or it could be one hell of a ride), passing a small cafe where customers can sit, enjoy a coffee and read. Although not part of the library itself, the ramp did not provide a flat surface to steady a wheelchair to sit and eat, unless you sat directly next to the doors.

Another downside is the ground-floor bathroom. Although it is wheelchair accessible (by having rails) it was rather small, with a high wash hand-basin. It was also positioned too close to the door, which means you have to be mindful of others entering. The upstairs bathroom was spacious but the doors to enter were notably heavy to push. The cubicles (one of which was made for wheel chair users) were clean and had a good height toilet, hand rails, two low sinks and the soap and hand towels were easy to access. Much preferable to the downstairs, although it was harder to find!

A great aspect of this library is that there is a lift, where buttons were low enough to press. The lift was spacious enough to fit a wheelchair and at least 3 other adults. And the fact that it was transparent, added to the 10 seconds of fun. The bookshelf aisle widths are large enough for wheelchairs to pass - but only just! It is hard to turn safely, knowing that you could hit a bookshelf, which would then hit another and another….. Overall, it was easy to pass people and travel around the library.

Unfortunately, the newspaper benches were not accessible, even when the chairs were removed from the small openings. Not to mention, the height of the bench where one cannot see even see the top from a wheelchair!

In the young adult section there were two-three curvy tables. Although these are meant for a modern and fashionable look, the curves allow one with a wheelchair to perfectly fit inside and continue to read or study.

Librarian staff were everywhere: at the front desk, in the middle of the ground floor (assistance desk) and throughout the library shelving books and attending to other things. So, when assistance was needed to fetch down a book, you didn’t need to look twice as staff, once asked, were willing to help. Unfortunately, there were not many flashing smiles from the front desk, but many from the more – shall I say – experienced or older librarians.