These are a selection of some commonly asked questions about local libraries. If your question isn't shown or you need any further information, you can email Oldham library at oldham.library@oldham.gov.uk or telephone 0161 770 8000.
How do I join the Library?
Membership of the library is free of charge and you and your children may have a ticket at any age. To join the library please fill in an application at the library or download an application form here. You will also need to bring an official document such as a utility bill, medical card or driving licence showing your current address. You may then join the library and borrow items immediately.
If you are under 18yrs. and don't have proof of address your ticket can be posted to you. However, if you join when a parent or guardian is with you, they can show proof of address for you.
How do I use my ticket?
Your new ticket may be used at any of the libraries in the Oldham area, including the Mobile Library.
Choose the items you wish to borrow and take them to the counter with your library ticket. This will be used to record the details of the items you are borrowing on our computer. Your ticket will then be handed back to you.
You need to bring your library ticket with you every time you want to borrow items from the library or use the library facilities.
You should not allow anyone else to use your library ticket as you are responsible for all items issued in your name. You cannot use your child's ticket to borrow items for yourself.
How long is my ticket valid?
Your membership is valid for life, provided you use your ticket at least once per year. We will ask you to re-register at ages 13yrs. and 18yrs.
You can help us keep our information up to date by telling us when you move house or change your name.
If you wish to cancel your membership at any time please return all the items you have borrowed and hand in your ticket.
How many books can I borrow?
Adults, teenagers and children may have up to twelve books on loan at the same time. You may also use your ticket for music items, audio books, videos, CD-ROMs and Open Learning material. There is a charge for some of these items, please ask for details.
How long can I keep the books?
The basic loan period for books is 3 weeks. If the book is in demand it may be issued for a shorter period. Each book you borrow will be stamped with the date by which it should be returned.
Music and video items have different loan periods these are displayed in the library.
You may take items you have borrowed back to any library inOldham
Can I keep the books longer?
The loan period may be extended in four ways:
Only two renewals are allowed for each book by telephone, letter or on the Internet. If you renew by letter or telephone you will be asked to write a renewal code and the new return date on the date label inside the book. If the book is in demand it will not be possible to renew it.
Other items may be also renewed on payment of a full rehire charge.
What happens if I return the book later than the date stamped?
You will be asked to pay a fine for the late return of every book issued on your ticket unless you are under 13. The amount increases daily, so it is in your interests to return books promptly. If you are over 60 or on benefit or a full time student, please tell us as a lower rate of fines will apply.
A full rehire charge will be owed on any other items returned late.
What if the book I want is not on the shelves?
Please ask the staff if you cannot find the book you want. We will try to provide you with a copy of any book you want to read, whether it is in our stock or not. There is a small charge for this service, a lower charge applies if you are eligible for lower fines.
You can now search the Oldham library catalogue online to see if your chosen book is in stock at any of the borough's libraries.
Can I use computers and the Internet in libraries?
All libraries have public Internet access and email facilities All libraries have computers which have Word processing, Excel and Powerpoint packages which can be used free of charge. You will need to register the first time you use the service and show your library ticket before each session.
There are separate facilities for children under 14yrs.
Computer time may be booked in advance in person or by telephone.
If you are new to computers and the Internet please ask about our free computer training courses for beginners.
What if I lose my ticket?
The loss of your ticket should be reported to a library without delay as you are responsible for any books borrowed until it is cancelled. You may have replacement ticket for which there is a charge.
What happens if I lose or damage a book?
You will be asked to pay all or part of the replacement cost of any books or other items which are lost. Please check all books before you borrow them and point out any damage to the staff at the counter. If a book or other item is damaged while on loan to you, please tell a member of staff.
Does the library have sales of old books?
The library does have a selection of withdrawn books for sale. Please refer to the charges section below for current prices.
Charges
Current charges for fines, reservations, replacement tickets, fax, photocopying and computer printouts are displayed in the library, and also on the library charges page.
Important note
All information held on our computer is covered by the Data Protection Act, including details of you name, address and the books you borrow. None of these will be shown to unauthorised persons or organisations.