Carnoustie Library

dystrophydad

15 Jan 2026

Lovely local library

4

4

Date of visit: November 2025

I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.

I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair

Overall Rating

Good

I paid a visit to the library solely to review the facilities and see how accommodating the venue is to disabled visitors. I am glad to say they were very welcoming. The library functions as a community hub and event space with a schedule of events throughout the year.

Disabled Access In and Around

Good

Access to the library is via the High Street. There are steps with rails on either side and tactile paving at the bottom; each step also has tactile paving. For those unable to use the stairs, there is a ramp with rails on either side leading down to the front doors. There are outward-opening automatic doors, although one was broken during my visit. I was assured it was being fixed. Inside there is a second set of automatic doors, which were working fine. As you enter, you will find the reception desks ahead. There are two desks, each with a lowered counter. I did not see anything to suggest there is a hearing loop active at the library. To the right of the front desk, there is a raised section with both stairs and a ramp. The ramp has a grab rail on the right side, but it is carpeted, which I find difficult to wheel over, particularly on an incline. The left section is level. There is a second level to the library which is used as an event or meeting space. There is a lift up to the second floor which requires you to hold the button the entire time. Personally, I dislike these lifts as it can be a lot of effort for some to hold the button down. The door opens outward on both floors.

Accessible facilities: Lift to all areas, Step-free entrance, Seating at regular intervals

Parking & Transport

Average

I travelled to this place by walk or wheel

There are no parking facilities at the library; however, there are a handful of bays along the nearby High Street. These are mainly standard spaces, but there is a single accessible parking space just across from the Co-op. If you are arriving by bus, there is a very handy stop across from the main entrance where the 73, 73A, 73B, 73C and 74 services operate. Carnoustie railway station is a short 160 metres away, but there is an incline from the station up to the High Street.

Accessible facilities: Public or on street parking

Accessible Toilets

Average

he library could do with some better signage to highlight where the toilets are. I asked at the desk and they were quick to show me where they were and open the door to the corridor leading to the loo. The accessible toilet is at the end of the corridor. The door opens outwards and does not need a RADAR key for access. It opens against the wall on the right, so be careful not to throw the door open as it might bounce back towards you. The toilet is on the rear wall and has a contrasting toilet seat and contrasting rails on either side. The flush is to the right of the cistern, where you will also find the right-side transfer space. The sink has a small basin and a lever-style tap. It features a mirror above and contrasting rails on either side. There is no colostomy shelf in the loo but there is a wide shelf to the right of the toilet which may be helpful. A paper towel dispenser is installed to the left of the sink, and on the wall directly behind there is a baby change table. The toilet is spacious enough for a wheelchair user and potentially two other people.

Facilities: Accessible toilet

Staff

Excellent

The staff were exceptionally helpful, and did all they could to make sure I was comfortable.