Parkhead Library
4
4
Date of visit: February 2026
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
Parkhead Library is a small local library located within the Parkhead Hub, a multipurpose venue that contains Social Blend café, Parkhead Library, The Forge Medical Practice and event and meeting spaces for public use. Although the library space is compact, it is a well used facility with easy access throughout and pleasant staff.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
The main entrance to the Parkhead Hub has two sets of automatic doors that open with touchpads, which makes getting in really easy. The signage is clear and the building has a really open feel, so there is plenty of space for most mobility devices to move around. There are seating areas dotted around the building and the library space, and all the internal doors are automatic. The library is round to the right, just past the café. The reception desk has a lowered counter, but I didn't see signage for a hearing loop
Accessible facilities: Lift to all areas, Step-free entrance, Seating at regular intervals
Parking & Transport
Good
I travelled to this place by personal vehicle
There is a large car park near the hub with 143 standard parking spaces, 9 accessible parking spaces with hatched markings and 16 EV spaces. The charging points did not appear to be online during my visit. A point to note is that the accessible parking spaces seem to be very popular. I expect this is because of the medical services available on site – but worth knowing. There is also a taxi rank near the entrance and a bus stop just outside on Duke Street. Cartyne Railway Station is just under a mile away – whilst it is technically acessible, it has some off the most severe ramps I've encountered at a railway station.
Accessible facilities: Electric Vehicle Charging, Drop-off or pick up point, Dedicated on-site parking
Accessible Toilets
Good
There are several accessible toilets in the building as well as the Changing Places toilet which I have reviewed separately. As I am focussing on the library, this section covers the nearest accessible toilet. This toilet is located at the rear of the room, along the corridor to the right. The door does not require a RADAR key and opens inwards. Inside, I found the toilet to be rather spacious, more than I expected. The toilet pan is on the left side of the room and has contrasting rails on either side and a contrasting toilet seat. There is space for a left-side transfer only, which is a shame because given the size of the room there could easily have been space on either side. The flush is on the transfer side and the red cord hangs to the floor and is on your left when seated. The small sink has contrasting rails on either side and a sensor tap. There is enough space to get your knees under if you are a wheelchair user. The room features a large mirror and a colostomy shelf. In all it's a pretty impressive loo, just a shame about the single transfer space.
Facilities: Accessible toilet
Staff
Excellent
The staff were lovely, eager to help and happy for me to highlight the accessibility of the venue.
