Visiting our libraries
All our libraries have a wide selection of books for children of all ages, from toddlers to teens. We have experienced staff who can help with any book recommendations.
There are dedicated Children's computers for fun, research, or homework.
Every library has a selection of toys, games, and activities for families to enjoy. It’s free to become a member of the library and you can sign up from age 0! Just ask a member of staff how to sign up.
Early Years Offer
Unless stated otherwise, sessions are free and there's no need to book, just drop in and play.
All sessions, other than Bounce and Rhyme, are run on a term-time-only basis.
Bounce and Rhyme
Perfect for 0 - 4's explore songs, rhymes, stories and sensory play in our Bounce and Rhyme sessions.
Discover the wonders of your local library and meet other families.
Each class runs for 20 minutes every week, with a member of staff, followed by free play time to find new favourite books!
Oldham Central library - Friday 10am
Lees - Monday 10am and 2pm Wednesday
Crompton - Tuesday 1pm and Thursday 10am
Chadderton - Tuesday 1.30pm
Delph - Friday 10.30am
Royton - Tuesday 10am* (Please note change of venue)
Uppermill - Tuesday 10am and Thursday 2pm
Greenfield - Friday 10am
Failsworth - Wednesday 1.30pm
Fitton Hill - Friday 10am
* Due to the refurbishment of Royton library, the event is on Tuesday (as opposed to Monday), and will now take place temporarily at:
Trinity Methodist Church, Radcliffe Street, Royton, Oldham OL2 5QR.
Baby Days
Oldham Central library, 10.30 – 12pm, third Wednesday of each month.
Join our monthly special baby days for 0 -18 months, free themed, relaxed, sensory sessions for babies up to 18 months old.
Little Reads
Oldham Central library, 10 – 11am, last Friday of each month.
Little Reads is a fun, interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs, play and craft to explore children’s picture books. Most suitable for children under five but all family members are welcome.
GO Baby!
Gallery Oldham, 10.30am – 12noon, second and fourth Thursday of each month, term time only.
Inspired by the galleries extensive art, natural history and social history collections GO Baby supports families to develop strong bonds, essential in the first stages of development.
We work with families across Oldham and the other Greater Manchester boroughs and welcome people from all walks of life.
Our youngest attendee has been just eight days old, so join us for this free, sensory program. This session is perfect for under 2’s and their families.
GO Explorers
Gallery Oldham, First Saturday of each month, except for 2 December and 6 January 10.30 – 12pm, £4 per toddler, drop in.
Our toddler special sessions for 2 – 4 year-olds are perfect for families to explore messy sensory play and creativity, in a fun and safe environment.
£4 per toddler, paid on the door. Please dress for mess.
Bookstart Bear’s Reading Adventure
Collect a sticker every time your child borrows books from the library and add them to their Bookstart Bear’s Reading Adventure sticker storybook.
There are 10 stickers in all to collect. These sticker books and stickers are completely free for children under 5 years old, just ask a member of staff.
Our family's health and wellbeing is our top priority and we ask that, where possible, all adults attending wear a face mask when entering and leaving the session.
In addition, we host a range of fun interactive sessions throughout the year that includes:
Baby Photo Booth
Join award winning photographer Tim Simpson in our amazing Baby Photobooth sessions.
Bring your little ones to these relaxed, fun and friendly photography sessions to have an array of photographs taken.
You will receive one printed image, which is included in the price, and the opportunity to purchase more pictures directly from Tim.
Thursday 16 November and Thursday 6 June at Oldham Library
Wednesday 31 January at Chadderton Library
£9 per baby, bookable via Eventbrite.
- Eventbrite - online booking
50 Things to do
50 Things to Do Before You’re Five helps children develop the skills, language and resilience needed in school and beyond.
The Extra Small Cinema
The Extra Small Cinema, is our sensory cinema sessions for those under five.
During each screening, we will start the sessions with a simple craft activity and sensory toys to play with and explore.
Once everyone is settled and comfortable, we’ll then play one of our wonderfully selected films, specially chosen for young audiences.
The volume is at a comfortable level, the lights are dimmed and it’s perfect for babies first cinema experience.
All screenings are from 10 – 11.30am unless otherwise stated
Saturday 2 December – Stickman (10am and 11.15am)
Friday 1 March – Highway Rat
Tuesday 25 June – Snail and The Whale
Wednesday 25 September – The Gruffalo
Booking is required via Eventbrite, tickets are £3.30 per child under five, but adults are free.
Baby Art Studio
Baby Art Studio is the perfect opportunity for you and your little one to express yourselves!
Work with different artists to make your own keepsakes. These sessions run around special occasions such as Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day etc.
Saturdays 11 November and 17 February, 10.30 – 12noon,
£9 per child, bookable via:
Bedtime Stories
Tuesdays 7, 14, 21 and 28 November and 5, 12 December
5.30 – 6.30pm,
Pop on your cosiest PJ’s and bring your teddy along, to these wonderful bedtime story sessions.
Perfect for under fives and their families to explore six new stories and vote for your favourite.
Free, bookable via:
Please keep checking our Eventbrite and Social Media pages for up-to-date events.
Parental Support
We work with a variety of organisations and practitioners to support you and your little ones at all stages of your journey.
Sessions are free and drop-in.
Perinatal Mental Health Support with Homestart
Parental mental health is so important for you and your little one.
So if you’re struggling or just want a friendly, safe and relaxing space to be around others then this group is for you.
Promoted by HomeStart Oldham. It’s free to attend, there’s no need to book, just drop in.
Wednesday’s, 10 – 11.30am, term time only.
Sensory Room
Oldham Library’s Sensory Room is equipped with digital sensory technology to provide a relaxing or exciting environment for babies and young children.
For more information, admission charges and how to book visit:
Contact
Email: evad.ouldokojie@oldham.gov.uk
Check our social media platforms for updates, timetables, and sessions