In and around the building
Getting here
To reach The Feminist Library, the closest tube station is Peckham Rye (1.3km away) which is not step-free. The route from Peckham Rye station is step-free but not level throughout. The nearest wheelchair accessible tube station is Queen’s Road Peckham, via a boarding ramp. Bus stops for routes 63, 363, 381, and 78 can all be found nearby. The closest bus stop (for routes 63 and 363 only) is ~330m away, the route is step free and level.
Arrival
The Sojourner Truth Centre which houses the Library is completely step-free with level floors through-out.
Ring the Feminist Library bells at the doorway (at 137cm), or call us in advance and you will be met. There is a slight depression in the floor where the welcome mat meets the floor. The door is 137cm wide, heavy, and is not automated.
A Library Opener will greet you when you arrive and open the door, please let us know if there is any way large or small to make your visit easier. There is no obligation to chat, you can write a message down and show them if you would prefer or email in advance.
There are three doorways to pass through to access the main Library hall. Foyer double door does not stay open on its own. Floors are smooth and may be slippery if wet.
The main Library Hall is a completely step-free space, with level floors throughout. There is a set of double doors into the hall, and typically only one of them is propped open. We will open both on request. We have a variety of chairs including wide seats, and chairs with arm/back-rests. The hall is spaced to fit a wheelchair between the shelves, however many of our shelves require ladder access. Library openers will be on site and will assist in bringing materials to the table. The fiction room is smaller and used for storage, so access conditions vary. With brief notice we can make an accessible route through the space for you.
There is a narrow kitchen with crockery and cutlery, a mini fridge, and a microwave. You are welcome to bring food into the library, or use the teas and coffee in the kitchen. There is a Londis 72m (~2 mins) away which is step free and level throughout, with a step free route from the library, though please note the pavement may not be level.
Toilets are all gender neutral. There is one accessible toilet, which does not require a radar key, and two toilet rooms, located just across from library hall, offering cubicles and a urinal. Pull-down changing table is available in the accessible toilet.
Children are welcome but we do not have a creche.
Assistance pets are welcome in the Library. There may be dogs in the Library on occasion, please let us know if you are not comfortable with this.
Hand sanitiser and masks available. Let the Openers know if you would like others to be masked.
What to expect:
The Sojourner Truth Centre is a community centre and other organisations share the building. The library collection is housed across two rooms on the ground floor. The main Library hall is to the left of the entrance foyer, the Fiction room is to your right. The office is next to the Fiction room.
Noise: The Library area is generally quiet, there are occasional dance classes upstairs above the Library hall. A solo desk is at the back of the hall and there is often quiet work space available in the Fiction room. Library Openers occasionally play music, which can be turned down or off. Ear defenders and sensory toys are available.
Activity: The Library is generally most quiet between 11am-1pm. Art exhibitions happen during normal opening hours and may attract extra visitors, check schedule or enquire. The Library Bookshop is open on Saturdays which are generally busy.
Temperature: Can be chilly in the winter and hot in the summer. Central heating, portable heaters and fans are available but a large high ceilinged room. The windows are used for ventilation in the summer.
Lighting and Furniture: Overhead lighting is led. The Library can be bright, blinds can be lowered. Fiction room can be a bit dim, desk lamp available. A variety of seating is on offer, some with backs and arms, including upholstered and plain chairs and a sofa; please ask us if you would prefer to use an ergonomic chair, we have some available.
Breaks: Water and hot drinks are available at all times, please ask. We also have a fridge available. There is a Londis on the corner and Peckham High Street is 10 minutes away. Food and drink are allowed in the Library at the table if reference materials are removed.
There is a small courtyard in front of the Library and for green spaces, Jowett Street Park is behind the Library, with Burgess Park 10 minutes away. If you need a quiet space the office is available. While we do not have lockers, we can hold items in the office.
Access to the collection: There is an online book catalogue available via the Library’s website, and a dedicated catalogue computer in the Library hall, as well as laptops available to borrow while visiting. There are periodicals lists on our website and hard copies in the Library. Our feminist Classification system is unique, not Dewey, currently under review to update.
All Access information above is for normal open hours. Events and weekends may have different layouts, please inquire.
Please use the QR codes in the Library, or speak with Openers, to provide feedback on accessibility and your visit. It is always incredibly helpful.
On our website
We want as many people as possible to be able to use our site. Therefore, this website features built-in accessibility functionalities developed by Studio Hyte
You can access these from the symbol at the top right and within the menu by clicking “Access settings”. This means that you will be able to:
- Adjust text size, letter spacing and line height
- Change the cursor size
- Highlight links and titles
- Hide images
- Add a reading mask
- View the site in high contrast, soft contrast and black & white.