One of the largest libraries on Earth
3
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Date of visit: March 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
Average
The British Library is one of the largest libraries on Earth, with millions of books from around the world. It’s not just for book lovers either. There’s something for everyone, from exhibitions and events to art and quiet spots to relax. I was surprised to find security scanners at the entrance. Not exactly what you expect when heading into a library. The building is fairly accessible overall, though the toilets could definitely be better.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
I entered via the Euston Road entrance, which has steps, so I had to go around the side to get in. It was a bit awkward due to building works at the time and I had to squeeze past a bike. Once past that, there’s a large plaza outside the library with lots of seating and greenery. There’s a statue in the middle, but it was fenced off during my visit as part of the revamp. There aren’t any tactile markings throughout the plaza, which would have been helpful. The alternative step-free entrance is just a little further down the street at Midland Road and avoids the stairs altogether. The main entrance has a few steps with handrails and a ramp. There are automatic doors and a metal detector as you go in, which isn’t something you usually expect in a library. Security staff were friendly, though. Just inside, there’s a gift shop and bookshop with plenty to look at. There's also a small café and an information desk. The reception desk does not have a lowered section, but it does have a hearing loop. Lifts are available to the other floors, though they are quite small, meaning you won't be able to turn around if you're using a wheelchair. Despite the age of the lifts, there are braille markings on the buttons. On the lower ground floor, there’s an installation space where you can use headphones to explore audio-visual content from the collections. These setups are open plan but have solid chairs fixed in front, which can block wheelchair users. Some stations lack tactile markings and physical buttons, which feels like an oversight. There’s also a registration room where you can provide your ID and register to access more of the collections. It’s a large, open office-style space, and there’s no shortage of hearing loops, which is great. The traditional exhibition space is a bit darker and colder than the rest of the library. There’s limited tactile guidance or accessible signage, which doesn’t really help people understand what to expect. Throughout the building, there are lots of places to sit and a good number of charging points, which is a bonus if you’re using a mobility aid. The floors are mostly tiled, though the type of tiling varies greatly around the building. In my research after my visit, I found out that you can request documents in Braille or large print, which is helpful to know in advance. They can also provide a bowl of water for assistance dogs if needed.
Parking & Transport
Average
Parking options aren’t great in the area, so the best way to get here is by bus. The buses are accessible and stop just outside the Euston Road entrance. The 30, 73, 91, 205 and 390, as well as night buses N73, N91 and N205, all stop here. If you’re looking at railway options, you’re spoilt for choice, with St Pancras, Euston and King’s Cross stations all within half a mile.
Accessible Toilets
Poor
I visited the accessible toilet on the lower ground floor. It’s located through two doors, which can be tricky to navigate. One of the doors opens outwards, which may make access difficult for some users. There is space for a left-side transfer to the toilet seat, but a narrow bin has been placed in the transfer area, making it awkward. The bin has been turned to the side, which limits manoeuvrability even more. If you're using a powerchair, it’s a very tight squeeze. There are grab rails on either side of the toilet seat. The sink has a small basin, a lever-style tap and a single grab rail. Hand towels are on the right, and the bin is on the left. The red emergency cord is on the left when seated. It was tied up, which was frustrating, especially as the library appeared to have its own version of the well-known Euan’s Guide red cord card. The accessible toilet on the upper ground floor is a bit unusual. It's a large cubicle located within the standard toilets. The door opens outwards, which makes things slightly awkward. There is clear space for a left-side transfer with no obstructions and silver grab rails on either side of the toilet seat. The sink has a small basin, a lever-style tap and a grab rail on the left. The space can comfortably accommodate a wheelchair user, though a powerchair user may find it a little tight. The red cord is on the left when seated and hangs freely to the floor. If you need a Changing Places toilet, there is one at Pancras Square, Euston Station, and King's Cross Station.
