The Lithuanian Audiosensory Library (LAB) building in Vilnius, located at 10 Skroblų St., features a civil protection shelter situated in the basement. Access to the shelter is through the garage beneath the library building.
The shelter is intended for short-term protection in the event of an air raid. Officially, a shelter provides several hours of safety against air raids, gunfire, shrapnel, debris, and blast waves.
How to Access the Shelter
- If you are outdoors during an air raid: Enter the shelter through the garage gate, located beneath the LAB building on the left side.
- If you are inside the LAB building: LAB staff will guide you to the shelter. From inside the building, the basement shelter can be accessed via the staircase.
When an “Air Raid Alert” (Red Threat Level) civil defense warning is issued, the shelter is unlocked and accessible at any time – including weekends, holidays, and outside regular business hours.
Shelter Amenities
The shelter is clean, well-maintained, and equipped with drinking water, a restroom, and seating.
Important Accessibility Information (Wheelchair Users & Visually Impaired Visitors)
- Entry: Wheelchair users can access the shelter from the outside via the garage door. Please note that there is a steep slope (approx. 35–40°) leading down to the entrance. Once inside, the shelter is step-free and fully navigable.
- Doorbell: If the garage door is closed, please knock. (This is a temporary solution until a doorbell system is installed.)
- Restroom Access: The restroom inside the shelter may not be fully accessible for wheelchair users, as the doorway width is 70 cm. An accessible restroom is planned for installation in the near future.
- Navigation for Visually Impaired Visitors: An audio beacon will help visually impaired visitors locate the shelter. When the shelter is opened, a staff member will turn on the recorded voice guidance in Lithuanian, which will repeat the message: “Shelter. Walk down and locate the door handle.”
