Access Guide
Getting Here
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By Road
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- The library is located north of Cranbrook High Street along Carriers Road.
The A229 (Angley Road) is approximately 0.3 miles away via Oatfield Drive and Carriers Road. - The library has its own small car park with space for approximately 6 cars which is for staff and Blue Badge holders only.
There is one standard size bay for Blue Badge holders which is faded.
There is a free public car park next door to the library on Jockey Lane with two electric charging bays. There is also free on street parking outside the library on Carriers Road.
- The library is located north of Cranbrook High Street along Carriers Road.
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By Bus
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- There is not a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
- The nearest bus stop is on the High Street, approximately 0.2 miles from the venue.
The services that operate from this stop are the 5, 5C, 267, 268, 297 & 349. - For more information on Arriva Buses please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Staplehurst.
- Staplehurst Station is approximately 6 miles from the venue.
There are direct train services to Ashford International, London Charing Cross, Tonbridge and Ramsgate. - For more information on Southeastern Railway please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on Staplehurst Station please click here (opens new tab).
Getting Help and Assistance
- There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
- British Sign Language interpreters cannot be provided on request.
- The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; Braille on request, large print on request, Makaton on request, different languages on request and audio on request.
- There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
- There are mobility aids available.
- To obtain mobility aids please contact a member of staff.
- There is a book trolley that can be used as a mobility aid.
Parking (Staff & Blue Badge Holders)
- The venue does have its own parking facilities.
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Parking
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- The car park is located at the rear of the buildfing.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park does not have a barrier control system.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
- There is/are 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 425cm x 470cm.
- There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
- Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
- All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
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Paying
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- There are no parking charges for the car park.
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Access from the Car Park
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- The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
- Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
- The entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
- The route from the car park to the entrance is not clearly signposted.
- The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac and concrete tiles.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- There is no tactile paving on dropped kerbs between the car park and the entrance.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 20m from the main entrance.
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Drop-off Point(s)
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- There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
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Comments
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- There is a free public car park next door to the library on Jockey Lane with two electric charging bays as shown in photographs 8 & 9.
- There is also free on street parking outside the Library on Carriers Road as shown in photographs 10 & 11.
Approach (Main Entrance)
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Approach
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- The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
- There is step-free access on the approach.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance sign says 'Cranbrook Library'.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
- There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 100cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
- There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located to the right of the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 115cm (3ft 9in).
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step(s)
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- The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
- There is/are 5 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) does/do not have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
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Comments
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- There is tactile paving at the top of the steps only.
Approach (Side Entrance)
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Approach
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- The surface of the approach is tarmac.
- There is step-free access on the approach.
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Ramp/Slope
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- There is a slope with a very easy incline.
Outside Access (Side Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance sign says 'Cranbrook Library'.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 152cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
- There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
Room(s) (Wealden Room)
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Access
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- The room surveyed was Wealden Room.
- Wealden Room is located to the left from the main entrance.
- There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
- Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
- There is written signage for the room, in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
- The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
- The colour contrast between the external door and wall is low.
- The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
- There is step-free access into the room(s).
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Room Details
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- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
- The door(s) is/are single.
- The door opening width(s) is/are under 75cm for the room(s).
- The door is easy to open.
- Light switches are not between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
- There is a hearing assistance system for the room(s) available on request.
- There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
- There is some fixed furniture within the room(s).
- The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) ranges between 57cm and 70cm.
- There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
- Furniture can be reconfigured to allow a turning space for wheelchair users.
- A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
- There are some chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
- The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet.
- Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The lighting levels are good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Public)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located to the right from the main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is light.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm.
- The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 163cm x 295cm (5ft 4in x 9ft 8in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The toilet has a non-slip floor.
- The height of the light switch/pull cord is 140cm from floor level.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by the non-infectious waste bin.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are non-infectious waste and female sanitary disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the right.
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
- There is not a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
- The toilet has a lid.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
- The wash basin tap type is twist/turn.
- There is a mixer tap.
- Taps do not have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 112cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 132cm (4ft 4in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Baby Changing Facilities
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- Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
- The baby change table is not height adjustable.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 81cm (2ft 8in).
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Comments
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- There is a single, light door that opens away from you (push) to access the toilet area as shown in photograph 1.
- The width of the door is 86cm.
Standard Toilet(s) (Public)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s)
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- The shared toilets that were surveyed are located to the right from the main entrance.
- The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access into the shared toilet(s).
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- There is not a lowered urinal.
- An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is available.
- There is a lowered wash basin.
- The height of the lowered wash basin is 78cm.
- There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the lowered wash basin.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet(s).
- Lighting levels are good.
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Comments
View
- There is a horizontal and vertical grab rail on the left of the toilet, as well as a dropdown rail on the right.
- There is a single, light door that opens away from you (push) to access the toilet area as shown in photograph 1.
- The width of the door is 86cm.
Step(s) (Access to Reception and Library)
- There is a/are step(s) located ahead from the main entrance.
- The step(s) is/are used to access the reception and the upper level of the library.
- There is/are 5 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a second lower handrail.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
Lift (Access to Reception and Library)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located ahead from the main entrance.
- The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- The lift is a platform lift.
- A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The platform lift accesses a small level change.
- There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do not contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
- The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
- The clear door width is 81cm (2ft 8in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 88cm x 120cm (2ft 11in x 3ft 11in).
- There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does not have an audible announcer.
- The internal controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- There is not a hearing loop system.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does not have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are good.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located ahead from the main entrance.
- The reception point is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free access to the reception point, via lift.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
- There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
- The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
- The height of the reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is a lowered section of the counter.
- The height of the lowered section at the counter is 73cm.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the lowered section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
- There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
- The type of system is a portable loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 12/08/2020.
- The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
- Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
- The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
Library
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Library Access and Circulation
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- The library is located ahead from the main entrance.
- The library is 1m from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access into the library.
- There are no doors at this entrance.
- The type of flooring in the library is carpet and vinyl.
- There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
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Library Services
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- This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
- This library does have a regular supply of books in large print.
- This library does have a regular supply of books in audio format.
- There is an ordering service.
- There is a self-service book borrow/return machine available.
- The self-service machine touch screen is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- There is step-free access, via lift, within the library.
- There are reading/study desks available.
- The majority of the reading/study desk(s) are 70cm in height.
- There are no height adjustable desks available.
- There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
- A member of staff is available to provide assistance.
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Computer Area
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- The library does have a computer area.
- The computer area is located to the right from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access to the computer area.
- The majority of the computer desk(s) are 70cm in height.
- There is a height adjustable desk in this area.
- The library does have computers with accessible software.
- Accessible software available includes OverDrive and Screen Magnifier.
- Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
- A height adjustable table and height adjustable chair is / are available.
- The seats do not have armrests in the computer area.
- The height of computer desks in the children's area is 63cm.
A large text keyboard and large rollerball mouse are available on request.
