Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre
Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre, Cultural Quarter, Greaves Street, Oldham OL1 1AL
Tel: 0161 770 8000
Fax: 0161 626 8675
E-mail: oldham.library@oldham.gov.uk
The Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre opened in April 2006 and provides more than double the library space of the previous Oldham Library building. The new library has greatly enhanced library facilities and the building is big enough to accommodate generous seating and study areas.
Opening Times
Monday - Thursday (whole library) 9am - 7pm
Monday - Thursday (Express Library only) 7pm - 9:30pm
Friday (whole library) 9am - 5pm
Saturday (whole library) 9am - 4pm
Sunday (Express Library only) 11am - 3pm
Lending Library
The Lending Library includes increased stocks of adult fiction, non-fiction,community language books, CDs, DVDs, talking books and Playstation and X-Box games.
Information Technology
The new building has over 90 computers for library members to use free of charge. There is specialist software for visually impaired people and equipment for children and people with mobility problems. Click here to view the different types of equipment available.
Visitors to Oldham are welcome to use the IT facilities if they join Oldham Libraries as a temporary member.
Express Library
The Express Library includes popular adult fiction, non-fiction,books for children and teenagers CDs, DVDs, photocopying facilities and computers for library members to use. This area of the building is open when the rest of the library is closed, from 7pm – 9.30pm Monday – Thursday and 11am – 3pm Sundays, and has enabled us to ensure longer opening hours and improved access for all.
The Children's Library, Teenage Library and Homework Centre
The Children’s Library is for children aged 0 – 12 and includes a huge range of books and computer facilities, with special equipment for small hands. There is a comfortable storytelling area featuring a jungle themed curtain by graphic artist David Burns.
A specialist Teenage Library incorporates a wide range of books for teenagers, a Homework Centre and a Young People’s Space where teenagers can meet, read and relax in comfort.
Reference and Information Services
The Reference and Information section provides an enhanced and highly relevant service to the people of Oldham as well as to the wider UK, international and business communities.
Situated in a bright, vibrant area next to stunning views across the moors, there is accommodation for 150 people to use the facilities at the same time. There is a wide variety of magazines, newspapers, books, encyclopaedias, maps, directories, guides, business information and online databases available. Click here for more information on Reference Services.
Talking Books Service
Oldham Libraries’ Talking Books Service provides books on tape and CD for use at home and is free to people with visual impairments and some other disabilities. The Service has been extended and users now have a choice of over 2500 titles. Tapes are delivered to users direct by post.
Performance Space
This 80-seater Performance Space is used for a wide range of activities and is available to hire - call 0161 770 4653 for more information.
Click here to find out more about Lifelong Learning Services in the new building.
Access
There is wheelchair access into the Centre and to all areas, with public lifts to the upper floor.
Six toilets are available for people with disabilities.
There are two disabled car parking spaces on Greaves Street, next to the Library and Lifelong Learning Centre. There are several spaces on Southgate Street car park, with access to the Library and Lifelong Learning Centre across Southgate Street.
Induction hearing loops are on the Library and Lifelong Learning reception desks and in the Performance Space. Captioned video and DVDs are available for loan.
Parking
A number of pay and display car parks are close to the library. There is free on street parking after 6pm
Cultural Quarter
Oldham Library is a key part of the Cultural Quarter development. Click here to find out more about Oldham Cultural Quarter.
Contact
Gillian Pearson, Community Librarian for Oldham Library. 0161 770 8054
For information in community languages please contact Naveed Aziz on 0161 770 8015