Oldham Library to reopen with changes in place

Oldham Library will be reopening but with a few notable changes for visitors to be mindful of.

The library on Greaves Street will open again on Monday 6 July but with a limited range of facilities available - such as checking out books and using the computers. 

People won't be able to browse bookshelves due to social distancing guidelines but can choose from a pre-prepared genre pack, which each contain three books. 

Children's books will also be available, with genre packs for different age groups.

All available books will have been quarantined for 72 hours.

Adults will be able to access to IT – for a maximum of one hour, per day, per customer – at set times.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Culture, said: "Oldham Library is one of the busiest in the North West and it is a very important service for everyone in the community, so we are pleased it is reopening.

"However, due to the ongoing pandemic we are can only offer certain reduced services at this time. Hopefully this will change over time.

"Think of others before you visit – if you have any coronavirus symptoms please stay away and continue to use the online facilities." 

The library will be open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.

The Lifelong Learning Centre and Gallery Oldham are not currently open to the public, but services are available online. 

The toilets, café, gallery shop, children’s library and the study space will also remain closed for now in line with government guidelines.

The council says it will release more information about when the other libraries in the borough will reopen in due course.

For up to date information about what services and facilities will be available, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/libaries.