Detailed information can also be found on the access monitor of Procap Switzerland.

Entrance

  • The main entrance is accessed via multiple steps.
  • The accessible entrance to the main building is situated to the right of the main entrance in the library courtyard.
  • The accessible entrance to the Music Department and the Schatzkammer (exhibitions) is located to the right of the entrance to the Predigerkirche church via Zähringer-/Predigerplatz.
  • For support after 6 p.m. (Mon - Fri), Securitas employees can be reached by telephone on the following number: 044 268 31 17.

Lifts

  • ZB’s public area is barrier-free and can be accessed by wheelchair users via the lifts. The lifts can be found by using the guide system and the building plan.
  • During the renovation work until 2026, the 1st floor (checkroom, break room, coffee and food vending machines) is accessible via one of the lifts in the public area. A EUROKEY required for access is available at the information desk on the ground floor (public area, P0) or can be obtained from Pro Infirmis.

Parking

  • There are two disabled parking spaces in the library courtyard (to the right of the main entrance).

Toilets

  • The accessible toilets are located on the first basement level and on the second floor (public area, A-1/P2, and Predigerchor, C2). The EUROKEY required for access can be obtained from the info counter on the ground floor (public area, P0) or via Pro Infirmis.
  • There is a toilet with baby-changing facilities on the first basement level and on the second floor (public area, A-1/P2). The EUROKEY required for access can be obtained from the info counter on the ground floor (public area, P0).

Workstations for the mobility and visually impaired

  • PC stations and workstations are available on the ground floor of the general reading room (public area, P0) (near the information desk). The tables are 71 cm high. There are tables reserved for people with mobility impairments at both the PC stations and the workstations.
  • At the PC stations, there is a place reserved for people with visual impairments or difficulties, where they can adjust the simplified operation. If you need help, you can contact the information desk.

Access to the library’s holdings

  • The freely accessible media in the basement can be reached via the lifts (see the stacks plan). The open stacks on the fourth basement level (public area, P-4) cannot be accessed by large wheelchairs.
  • Alternatively, media from the open stacks can be ordered via your swisscovery account for collection at the lending desk (duration approx. 4 hours). Information on placing your order can be found here.

24-hour returns

  • If you wish to return ZB media outside the library’s opening hours, items can be returned 24/7 via the machine on Chorgasse using your library card. Chorgasse is located on the rear side of the building and can be accessed via Mühlegasse.

Assistance dogs

  • Library users may be accompanied by assistance dogs.

Checkroom & break room

  • The checkroom, break room and coffee and catering vending machines are located on the 1st floor. They can be reached via one of the lifts in the public area. A EUROKEY required for access is available at the information desk on the ground floor (public area, P0) or can be obtained from Pro Infirmis. Some lockers are reserved for people with mobility impairments.

Prams/strollers

  • Prams and strollers (without children in them) can be parked on the first basement level of the historic building (historic building , A-1) in the pram parking area.