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.
Early Years Offer
Unless stated otherwise, all sessions are free and there's no need to book, just drop in and play.
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
Crompton - Thursday 10am
Chadderton - Tuesday 1.30pm
Delph - Friday 10.30am
Northmoor - Saturday 10am
Royton - Tuesday 10am* (Please note change of venue)
Uppermill - Tuesday 10am
Greenfield - Friday 10am
Failsworth - Wednesday 1.30pm
Limehurst - Tuesday 2.15pm
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 - 11am, on the 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.
* Our last Baby Days sessions, before the summer break, are the 15 June, Baby Days will begin again in September.
Twins and Multiples Group
Oldham Central library, 10 - 11am, fourth Wednesday of each month
Get together with other parents of twins and multiple births for free sensory play activities with your babies (0-18 months).
* Our last session before the summer break is the 22 June, the Twins and Multiples Group will begin again in September.
GO Baby - Starting from February 2022
Gallery Oldham, 10 - 12pm, second and fourth Thursday of each month.
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 being just eight days old so join us for this free, sensory program.
GO Explorers
Gallery Oldham, 10 - 11.30am, fourth Saturday of each month.
Our toddler special sessions for 2 - 4-year-olds are perfect for families to explore messy and 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:
Bedtime Stories
We love bedtime stories at Oldham Library, join our wonderful storyteller in our newest early years session.
Bring your favourite teddy, pop your cosiest PJ’s on and get together to listen to stories, rhymes and have a bedtime snack of warm milk and toast.
No booking required, perfect for under 5’s.
5 – 6pm – Oldham Library
15 June, 12 July
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.
14 July – Failsworth Library
18 November – Oldham Library £9 per baby.
Booking is required via:
- Eventbrite - online booking
Adult and Baby Cinema
Relax in our baby-friendly screenings, and enjoy PG+ plus films with your little one. Bottle and breastfeeding welcome and changing spaces are available.
10am – 12.30pm, £3 per adult ticket, children under 18 months are free.
Weds 17 August – Superbad (15)
Thurs 3 November – Black Panther (12A)
Thurs 16 February ’23 – Priscilla Queen of the Desert (15)
Booking is required via:
- Eventbrite - online booking
Extra Small Cinema
Baby Cinema at its finest, bring your under 5’s to our Extra Small Cinema sessions.
A mixture of sensory toys and fun whilst watching a specially chosen film. The volume is low and the lights are dimmed, perfect for babies' first cinema experience.
10am – 12.30pm, £3 per child, adults over 10 are free.
Tues 26 July – Ratatouille (U)
Thurs 20 October – Coco (U)
Tues 17 January ‘23 – Minions (U)
Booking is required via:
- Eventbrite - online booking
Baby Art Studio
Christmas Keepsake – 18 November
10.30 – 11.30am £10 per person
Booking is required via:
- Eventbrite - online booking
Join ceramic artist Ammie in these hands-on messy sessions. Make a keepsake out of clay which will be glazed and fired ready for you to collect and keep forever! Perfect for under 4’s.
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:
- Sensory Room - web page
Contact
Email: evad.ouldokojie@oldham.gov.uk
Check our social media platforms for updates, timetables and sessions