Overview

The library opened in 1988, curiously around the same time Celtic Football Club started, and I'm certain there are fans in the city. Being over 139 years old, accessibility was not a defining feature of its construction, but there is a lift to each floor and a side entrance with a platform lift. My visit to Belfast Central Library was definitely memorable. First, I had trouble getting into the building due to the platform lift malfunctioning. The alarm button, while working, was largely ignored. Then I had trouble leaving when that same lift decided it had had enough. After 20 minutes of trying to make it work, I had to leave via the delivery entrance.

Transport & Parking

There are plenty of on-street parking spaces on the surrounding streets, though I didn't spot any accessible parking spaces during my visit. The nearest bus stop is just outside the main entrance on Royal Avenue, where the 1J, 1A, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1K, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 2J, 2K, 2M, 2P, 11E, 12A, 12B, 12C, 13, 13A, 13C, 14, 14A, 14B, 96, 563, 563B, 563D, 563E, 563F, 566, 568, 568A, 568B, 568D, 648, 649A, U1 and U2 services operate – that's a lot of buses! The closest railway station is a mile away at Grand Central Station, which also serves as a bus terminal.

Access

here are stairs at the front entrance on Royal Avenue, but there is also an accessible entrance on Library Street, just around the corner. "Accessible" is a questionable term based on my experience. There's a heavy glass door at the Library Street entrance, which opens inwards, and a platform lift, the door to which opens outwards. I struggled to open the door myself but managed in the end. As I positioned myself on the lift, I shut the door behind me and pressed the button... and nothing happened. I tried several times to no avail and thought it best to summon help by pressing the alarm. I did this for fifteen straight minutes. As I was about to give up, I could see the feet of people on the library floor from where I was sitting. At one point, a member of staff was coming in my direction but kept walking. It was only on their return journey that a shout of "Hey mate!" caught their attention. They then came down the stairs at the side of the lift and informed me that the emergency stop button had been depressed the whole time. He reset it, and the lift worked – which was great. On trying to leave, the lift completely broke down and wouldn't lower. I'm only glad I didn’t get caught halfway. A member of staff fought with the lift for twenty minutes before suggesting another exit. I had to take the internal lift up a level and be led through the repository of long-forgotten books before taking another lift down and leaving via the service entrance, just up from the accessible entrance! Quite the experience, and a good representation of how disability often comes with a time penalty. As for access in a more general sense, the lifts were small, able to accommodate a wheelchair user and a second person, with no room to turn. A perimeter rail is installed for those who need something to hold on to. There are no braille buttons or a hearing loop in the lift. The only place where I saw a hearing loop was at the ground-floor reception. Most of the doors have touch pads to open them, which is helpful as they’re super heavy. Much of the library is carpeted, which is a pain when propelling a manual wheelchair – something I feel is often overlooked. The library has plenty of soft seats and, whilst not officially a warm bank, welcomes all who need a break from the cold. The library offers a variety of services, including book and CD borrowing, access to newspapers and magazines, and the use of computers. Wi-Fi access is available for visitors. In all, I think it’s a great library, if a bit dated, but the access issues I faced make me a little reluctant to return.

Toilets

The door to the toilet opens outwards and does not require a RADAR key. There is just enough space for a right-side transfer to the toilet, which may be an issue for some wheelchair users. Silver rails are installed on either side of the toilet seat and the sink, which has a lever-style tap but is quite small. The grab rails have a ribbed texture, and the washbasin is on the right-hand side. The emergency cord is located on the left when seated, though it's about two feet too short and was tied up! There's enough room for a powerchair user and a second person, though it is rather compact. It was clean but not the best toilet I’ve visited. A wall-mounted baby change table is also available.

Staff

When I finally managed to get into the building, I found that the staff were pleasant and eager to hear feedback on my eventful experience.

Photos