Accessing library buildings

Students, staff and visitors can enter the library through the step-free double sliding doors of the main entrance, found next to Library Square. 

The central library space can be accessed using a Queen Mary ID Card or other Library Services Membership Card at the security gates. If you do not have a relevant card or need assistance at the gates, please talk to staff at the Welcome Desk. 

Lifts 

Lift 1 serves floors 0 to 4. It is located on the first right after you enter through the security barriers. 

Lift 2 serves floors 0 to 2. It is located in the Discussion Zone area on the Ground Floor. Some users may need another library member or staff to open the manual doors leading to this area. 

These lifts cannot be used when the fire alarm is activated. Students and staff who cannot use stairs should fill out the Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) Questionnaire so the Queen Mary Fire Safety Team can develop a tailored plan in case of an emergency (such as a fire drill or actual evacuation). 

Accessible toilets 

If you do not have a RADAR key, please talk to staff to borrow one from the Welcome Desk. 

Fully accessible toilets can be found at the following locations: 

• 2nd Floor: On the first left after leaving Lift 1 

• 3rd Floor: On the second left after leaving Lift 1 

• 4th Floor: On the second left after leaving Lift 1 

Additional accessible toilets can be found at the following locations. Some users may need another library member or staff to open the manual doors leading to these areas. 

• Ground Floor Foyer: As you enter via the double sliding door entrance, proceed through the door to the right of Welcome Desk. 

• 1st Floor: Found in the Gender Neutral Toilets off the central stairwell 

Accessible and Assistive Rooms 

The Ground Floor Calm Zone is located on the first right after you enter through the security barriers. This is a low stimulation space that can be accessed by all library users via the open doors. 

DDS students that are eligible to use the Assistive Technology Room can enter this space by tapping their card on the reader next to the power-assisted door. The room can be found in the Ground Floor Discussion Zone, meaning some users may need another library member or staff to open the manual doors to this area. 

DDS students that are eligible for the Study Carrels can request the key from staff at the Welcome Desk. The key will be loaned to the student's library account, and they will need to return it on the same day at the Welcome Desk before the library closes (please refer to our opening times). To find the private one-person study spaces, please take Lift 2 to the 1st Floor and proceed straight to the back right corner of the room. Alternatively, take the steps to the 1st floor, go through the manual door on the left to enter the North Reading Room, and then proceed to the back left corner of this room. 

 

The Whitechapel Library Courtyard can be accessed via the power-assisted door on Newark Street. This door is activated by tapping a Queen Mary ID on the card reader found to the right of the door. If your Queen Mary ID does not activate the door or if you have another Library Services membership card, you can press the intercom device above to the card reader to talk to Library Staff, who will be able to grant you access. 

The Whitechapel Library building can be entered via the lift or steps in the courtyard. There are power-assisted doors from the building entrance to the library Welcome Desk. 

The central library space can be accessed using a Queen Mary ID Card or other Library Services Membership Card at the security gates. If you do not have a relevant card or need assistance at the gates, please talk to staff at the Welcome Desk. 

Please call 020 7882 2561 if you would like to organise assistance before your visit.

Basement and accessible toilet 

An accessible toilet can be found in the Whitechapel Basement.  

There is an accessible lift leading to the basement. Some users may need a member of staff or another library member to open the manual pull door on their behalf. 

Queen Mary Library Services strives to make its buildings accessible to all users. However, the historical Whitechapel Library basement does not have a safe evacuation route for those who are unable to use stairs. 

Affected students and staff intending to use the basement should fill out the Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) Questionnaire so the Queen Mary Fire Safety Team can develop a tailored plan in case of an emergency (such as a fire drill or actual evacuation). 

Queen Mary Library Services strives to make its buildings accessible to all users. However, the physical layout of the historical West Smithfield Library is not fully accessible to wheelchair users and those who are unable to use stairs. 

Affected students and staff intending to use the space should fill out the Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) Questionnaire so the Queen Mary Fire Safety Team can develop a tailored plan in case of an emergency (such as a fire drill or actual evacuation). 

Once a suitable plan is put in place, relevant users can call 020 7882 8188 or email library@qmul.ac.uk ahead of their visit. Library staff will be able to operate the platform lift and open manual doors leading to the central library space.