Looking for an audio tour of the archive?
Make sure to check out our online playlist with all the information you could need.
The exhibition space consists of a single room with items displayed on the left and right walls and in a single line in the centre.
Pictures of the space layout can be found in the Discovery Space section of this website.
You can take a virtual 3D tour of the exhibition space by following this link or clicking on the window above. Click around with your mouse or use your keyboard arrows to look around the space.
Visitors are welcome to explore the exhibition at their own pace and in whatever order they prefer.
In addition to pictures, archive objects, and information panels, the space contains a big screen where visitors can explore the Archive website and its interactive video games. You will also find tablets around the space contained in wooden steering wheels. Point these at the pictures with the tablet symbol to view 3D augmented reality learning objects. You can also sit in our Lanchester car.
Spiral-bound large print version of the exhibition copy are available at the Library Welcome Desk (upon request) and at the entrance of the exhibition space.
The floor is level and free of trip hazards.
The room is well lit.
The lights switch off automatically if no movement is detected for a long period of time but will switch back on and not flicker if movement is detected again.
The door leading into the exhibition is the narrowest point of the space at about 83cm (33 in).
The exhibition space does not feature automatically activated or background sounds. A honk and an audio presentation can be activated by pressing buttons in the car.
The space is rarely, if ever, noisy or busy. It is situated on a quiet study floor. The Library is quietest in the 10:00 - 11:00 and 16:00 - 17:00 periods.
The Library entrance is step-free and the doors are automatic.
Once visitors reach the Welcome Desk they will be welcomed by staff, receive a visitor badge, and be directed to the Archive exhibition space on Floor 2.
Stairs are equipped with handrails on both sides.
A lift with Braille buttons and audio announcements is available for members of the public and Library users. The staff lift can be used upon request if necessary. It is 90 cm (35.4 in) wide.
Guide dogs are welcome.
The building has standard and accessible toilets in the main stairwell on all floors. The nearest Changing Places facilities are in the Central Library and IKEA in the city centre, which are a 15 and 20 minute walk away respectively.
Baby changing facilities are available in the Ground Floor accessible toilet.
The small Café on the third floor of the Library serves hot and cold drinks and cold snacks but doesn’t have a seating area. The Engineering and Computing building is about two minutes away and has a bigger Café which also serves hot food. Other cafes, bars and restaurants can be found 5 minutes away closer to the city centre or in Gosford Street in the other direction.
In the event of an emergency an evacuation message will be repeated very loudly over the public address system throughout the Library. The alarm system is audio only. If you are unable to use the stairs to exit the Library, you should remain in a designated refuge position located at every level of each stairwell until the emergency services reach you. These are clearly signed. Please alert a member of Library staff as to your whereabouts; this will be reported immediately to the emergency services.
The closest car park is in Gosford Street under the ring road, about a two minute walk from the Archive. It has a capacity of 88 with 8 dedicated disabled spaces.
Please see the Council website for comprehensive information about parking in Coventry.
Please click here to view our accessibility statement.
