Key announcements

Due to maintenance, some of our online forms and systems will be unavailable from 6:00am on Saturday 30 March to 7:00am on Monday 1 April. We are sorry for any inconvenience. To find out more about the section 114 notice, visit our section 114 page

Visual access

Some of the key accessibility features of the Library of Birmingham are highlighted below.

  • Colour contrast throughout the building has been carefully considered
  • All glass has markings on it so that it is more easily seen
  • Braille and embossed signs are used on toilets and lift lobbies throughout the building
  • Audio information in lifts
  • An audio guide, including a tour, is available for people with visual impairments. Ask at the reception desk in the foyer
  • Braille copies of the Visitor Guide are available from the reception desk in the foyer - ask a member of staff
  • Supernova is available on every computer. This is a specialist programme which is suitable for anyone with a visual impairment and offers a screen magnifier, screen reader and support for Braille displays
  • Windows 7 has a range of tools to make access easier. These are available by selecting all programmes then accessories followed by accessibility
  • Clearview Speech (a table top machine which magnifies and reads aloud) available in the Children's Library
  • Clear Reader + (a portable text reader, similar to Readit touch) is kept in the Children's library and can be used throughout the building
  • Accessible keyboard for people who work better with large keys and bold colours are available in the Children's Library
  • Large trackball mouse (makes controlling the pointer on screen easier) is available in the Children's Library
  • Good selection of audio books and large print books
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