Old Library: Accessibility Information

At the Old Library, we believe that arts and culture should be welcoming and accessible to everyone. 

When renovating the building, accessibility was a key priority, and we've worked to create a venue that is comfortable and easy to navigate for as many people as possible.

Our accessibility features include:

• Level access to the building, with an accessible ramp at the main entrance with a push button to open the external door.
• A lift providing access to our upstairs studio space, where workshops and courses take place.
• Wheelchair accessible seating in the auditorium, with dedicated spaces located in the front row on flat flooring for easy access.
• Accessible toilets available on both the ground floor and the first floor.
• A lowered section of the Café Bar counter, making it easier to use for wheelchair users and anyone who would benefit from a lower serving height.

Our Café Bar is a welcoming and flexible space designed to make everyone feel comfortable during their visit. The Café Bar has a flat floor throughout and there are accessible toilets available directly from the Café.

The Café Bar features a lowered section of the counter, making it easier to use for wheelchair users and anyone who would benefit from a lower serving height. Our tables and chairs are also moveable and adaptable, allowing the space to be arranged to best suit your needs, whether you require additional room for a wheelchair, mobility aid or are visiting as part of a larger group. To create a comfortable and relaxed environment, we play ambient background music, providing a welcoming atmosphere for visitors to enjoy at their own pace.

We offer a range of food and drink options, including alternative milks and vegan choices, helping to ensure there is something available for a variety of dietary preferences and requirements. If you have any dietary requirements, please let a member of our team know. Find out more about the Café Bar here 

Our auditorium offers a welcoming and flexible space with 94 seats in total, including 62 seats on the ground floor and 32 seats on our balcony, providing a great elevated view of performances and events. Our balcony seating is not wheelchair accessible and visitors seated there will need to walk up 2 short flights of stairs to get to their seats.

For wheelchair users and visitors who would benefit from additional space, the front row of flat floor seating is adaptable and can be rearranged to accommodate wheelchair positions, ensuring everyone can enjoy performances with a clear view and a comfortable experience.

Our upstairs studio space has a capacity of up to 20 people, including staff. While it is a smaller space, it offers flexibility for a range of activities, from workshops and courses to meetings and creative sessions, making it a welcoming setting for smaller groups.

The studio is designed with accessibility in mind and is easily reached via our passenger lift, providing wheelchair users and visitors with mobility needs a comfortable and convenient way to access the space. There is also an accessible toilet available upstairs to ensure visitors using the space can do so in comfort.

Get in touch

If you have specific access requirements or would like to discuss your visit before you arrive, our team will be happy to help. Please get in touch with us in advance, by calling the Box Office team on 01635 522733 or email boxoffice@cornexchangenew.co.uk and we'll do everything we can to ensure your experience at the Old Library is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.