Lifts
Main entrance
There are two accessible lifts on either side of the main entrance stairs going to the ground floor. They are 872mm wide.
They provide access to our exhibition and event spaces, shop, cafe, Reader's Registration, toilets and further lifts. Staff can assist with operating the lift if needed.
Image: One of the accessible lifts at the main entrance.
Ground floor
There are two lifts on the ground floor giving access to the first and second floors.
The lifts are at the end of a short corridor to the left of the foot of the main staircase. These lifts will take you to the General Reading Room, Issue Hall, Discovery Room and Special Collections Reading Room.
Lift details:
- The lift door is 750mm wide.
- The main lift is 1050mm wide and 1200mm deep. (We can provide access to a wider lift, 1100mm, if needed.)
- The lift buttons have raised numbers or letters.
- The lift shows the floor number, at each floor.
- The lift announces the floor number at each floor via a speaker sound system.
- A mirror is located on the left-hand side of the lift.
- There is fluorescent lighting and linoleum flooring in the lift.
- No music is played in the lift.
Image: The interior of the lift to the first and second floors.
Stairs
Main entrance
The main entrance has level access from the street outside. The door is sliding and automatic, and is 1450mm wide.
Ground floor
There are 11 stairs up to the ground floor from the main entrance. There is a handrail on either side.
There are also lifts. More information about lifts
Image: Inside the main entrance with stairs to the ground floor.
First floor
Access to the first floor is by the main staircase which has a handrail at either side. There are 40 steps with a tread height of 140mm.
There is also a lift. More information about lifts
Image: The main staircase leading to the first floor.
General Reading Room
The General Reading Room is on the first floor and has two levels. The upper, mezzanine level can only reached by stairs which have handrails on either side. There are 16 steps to the mezzanine level.
Image: Stairs to the General Reading Room upper, mezzanine level.
Special Collections Reading Room
The Special Collections Reading Room is on the second floor. You can reach it from General Reading Room mezzanine level (16 steps) using second set of stairs (13 steps).
You can also access this space using a lift from the ground floor to the second floor. More information about lifts
Contact us
Got a question about the Library's collections and services? Chat with us online or use the enquiry form.