The Library of Birmingham
3
3
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 Library of Birmingham is an eye-catching building with a particularly unique design that reminds me of stacked gift boxes decorated with metal rings. It features a great Changing Places toilet as well as the Shakespeare Memorial Room on the 9th floor, where you'll find views of the city. The library is a fairly recent addition to the city, opening in 2013 and is one of the largest public libraries in Europe. It’s not just about books either, as the space is used for exhibitions, events and community activities, making it more of a cultural hub than a library.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
The Library of Birmingham has revolving doors at the entrance, but there are automatic doors with touchpads on either side for easy access. The entrance is on a slight slope, though it’s mostly level. It’s also close to the tram stop, which makes getting there fairly straightforward. The reception desk is straight ahead as you enter and includes a lowered section for wheelchair users. I didn’t spot any signage to indicate the presence of an induction loop, although I understand there is one at the tourist information desk. There’s also a gift shop on this floor, though it doesn’t have any standout accessibility features. Lifts are available to all floors, including the lower ground level where you’ll find the Changing Places toilet and the Children’s Library. The lifts are spacious and include braille buttons, along with a braille floor index outside. I didn’t see a hearing loop symbol inside the lift. I also visited the Shakespeare Memorial Room on the 9th floor. The route takes you via the viewing platform at the top of the building, which offers great views over the city. The room itself is spacious, with some interesting artefacts to look at. The viewing platform and many other areas of the building have seating dotted around.
Parking & Transport
Average
The most convenient way to get here is by tram, as there's a tram stop just across the road at The Exchange. If you’re arriving in Birmingham via New Street, you can hop on the tram right outside the station. Parking options aren't great in the area. There are some on-street spaces near the Central Gardens at the rear of the Library.
Accessible Toilets
Average
There is an accessible toilet just off to the left as you enter, near reception and before the university entrance. It appeared to be either in use or locked when I visited. Towards the quiet area of the library, right of the reception desk, there's another accessible toilet. The room is wide enough for a powerchair, though the turning space is tight. There is a left-side transfer space, but this was blocked by two large bins, which is disappointing. The flush is on the right when seated. There are grab rails on either side of the toilet and around the sink, which has a small basine and a lever-style tap. The hand dryer is at a reasonable height. A RADAR key is not required for this toilet. The red emergency cord had been wrapped around the grab rails, making it unreachable. I sorted it but it shouldn't have needed fixing. Changing Places toilet: The Changing Places toilet is located on the lower ground floor, which you can reach by lift. This level also has a small children’s library. The toilet requires a RADAR key. The room includes an adjustable changing bed, a ceiling track hoist and a privacy screen. There is a shower with a grab rail, a standard toilet with a soft backrest and grab rails on both sides. The left transfer space is clear, but the right side is blocked, so a right-side transfer is difficult. The red emergency cord is on the left when seated and hangs freely close to the door, which is a good thing. There is a freestanding toilet roll holder as well as rolls fixed to the rails, which are padded in blue. There is a grab rail on the back of the door. There is no colostomy shelf. The sink is height-adjustable with a large lever tap, grab rails on either side and a deep basin. There is also a sharps bin. The space was clean and presentable. The floor is a little worn in places from use, which is understandable with the amount of traffic. Overall, it is a decent Changing Places toilet. The signage outside uses Braille, although it’s placed a bit high. There are swinging double doors leading in and the toilet door opens outwards. One of the walls features quotes from novels, which is a nice touch. If, for any reason, you aren't able to access the Changing Places toilet, there's another at The Exchange.
Staff
Excellent
The staff were extremely helpful, and made sure I could find everything I needed for my review.
Additional Information
My post-visit research suggests that documents are available in Braille or large print, and a water bowl can be provided for assistance dogs.
