At Glasgow Women’s Library we are committed to making our building and events programme accessible to all. Below you’ll find some information on Accessibility at GWL but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, or if you have any feedback on how we can improve, please send an email to info@womenslibrary.org.uk or telephone 0141 550 2267 and speak to a member of staff.
An Audio Introduction to GWL
You can listen to an audio descriptive introduction to GWL, produced by VocalEyes, below. This recorded guide highlights GWL’s achievements, detail how to access our resources, outlines our provision for blind and partially sighted visitors, and includes descriptions of the architecture and layout of our building in Bridgeton.
A BSL Introduction to GWL
Find out more about who we are and what we do in this short British Sign Language (BSL) introduction to Glasgow Women’s Library. More information in BSL, including an introduction to our collections, can be found on our BSL video page.
Visual and Sensory Guide
We have created this Visual and Sensory Guide to help visitors understand how to get to and around Glasgow Women’s Library. You can download a PDF version of the guide here. Hard copies are available on request from the reception desk.
Wheelchair Users
The Library is wheelchair accessible, with lifts to the first floor and the mezzanine and archive.
There are power-assisted doors in to the Main Library space, from the Main Library to the lift, and from the lift and Gallery to the Community Room.
Please note that Bridgeton train station is currently not wheelchair-accessible. The closest wheelchair-accessible station is Dalmarnock Station, which is approximately 3/4 mile (1.2 km) from the Library. There is level access from nearby bus stops on London Road and Bridgeton Cross to the Library.
Accessible Toilets
We have accessible toilets on the ground and first floors, and all the Glasgow Women’s Library bathrooms are individual closed stalls and are gender neutral. Our accessible toilets are fitted with toilet alarms.
Induction Loop
Our larger Events Space is fitted with an induction loop. A portable induction loop is also available for elsewhere in the library – please let a member of staff know if you require this when you visit the Library or send us an email to info@womenslibrary.org.uk to arrange this in advance.
Magnifying Glasses
We have two strong magnifying glasses available for use in the Library. Just ask a member of staff at the reception desk if you’d like to use one.
Parking at GWL
There is a space on the street outside the Library that is reserved for visitors with mobility issues, but there is no carpark at the Library.
Service Dogs
We allow all service dogs that are fitted with a suitable harness or are on a lead.
Accessing Our Programme
Our seasonal events programmes are available online in large print and audio versions.
Free Entrance for Companions
If you cannot independently attend an event and need to come along with a companion, you will not be required to purchase two tickets. Just let our team know at the point of booking or by dropping us an email after completing your booking and we’ll put aside your companion’s ticket for free.
Pay It Forward Tickets
We are always striving to be as open, inclusive and accessible as possible with the majority of our events costing as little as £2 with free subsidised places for those who cannot afford to pay. For some events we are not able to offer our regular subsidised ticket option due to the costs of the events themselves. We understand that the price of a ticket can be a barrier to some women, and so for these events we operate a Pay it Forward policy on tickets. Pay it Forward tickets are purchased by members of the public and are then allocated to women who would not otherwise be able to attend.
If you need help accessing the library, or would like more information about access, please contact us and we will be very happy to offer you assistance.
How busy is it at the library?
We run a full programme of events and activities around the year, as well as venue hires, which can mean that the library is quite busy at times. We aim to have a quiet space allocated each day – this is signposted at the front of house desk and is usually our upstairs gallery. However we can’t always guarantee this due to events, exhibitions, and hires – if you are looking for a quieter day, we suggest that you give us a call on 0141 550 2267 before making your visit if you’d like to know what’s on.
Wearing Face Masks
We recognise that Covid-19 is still with us. We therefore want to ensure that immunocompromised people feel that they can visit Glasgow Women’s Library at least during selected days and hours.
In response to feedback, we will now invite visitors to Glasgow Women’s Library to wear masks and to observe social distancing on Friday afternoons between 1pm and 4.30pm. During this time, you can expect that staff and volunteers will also wear masks when moving around the building, unless they are exempt. If you do not have a mask on arrival we will offer you one.
