How to get here:

The Library is located at: The Sojourner Truth Community Centre,

The closest tube station to the library is Peckham Rye Overground. It’s 1.1km walk away, and not step-free. Queen’s Road is step-free, 1.45km away.

Multiple buses (63, 78, 363, 381) stop along Commercial Way/Peckham Hill Street, which is just around the corner from the library

The Library does not have dedicated parking, however there are parking places directly in front – please note these are not free; you can find some free parking spots on the side street (Jowett street) but these are usually occupied. Pavement is raised, curb cut is one car length from the entrance.

Opening Hours:
Tuesdays 11am – 5pm
Wednesdays 11am – 5pm
Fridays 11am – 5pm
Saturdays 1pm – 4pm (Book Shop)

Please also keep an eye on our Instagram, as sometimes we may have to close at short notice due to staff availability 

Community Policy:

The Feminist Library is trans-inclusive and welcomes visitors of all genders. You can view our Community Policy here.

accessibility:

Arrival

The Sojourner Truth Centre which houses the Library is accessible and step-free

Ring the Feminist Library bells at the doorway (at 137cm), or call us in advance and you will be met. 

A Library Opener will greet you when you arrive, 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 has been designed to be fully wheelchair accessible, but has some high shelves. Library Openers will be on site, speak with them if you would like materials brought to the table. The Fiction room is used for storage, can be made wheelchair accessible with brief notice, please tell us when you visit or in advance.

Toilets are all gender neutral. There is one accessible toilet, not locked, 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 fluorescent. 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.