Libraries in Oldham are being made available as warm places for residents in the borough to use this winter.

Oldham Council is once again encouraging Oldhamers to visit libraries during the cold period, with visitors able to use the facilities to browse the internet, relax with a book or have a hot drink, although this is not available at the Central Library.

Visitors can also take part in the Digital Lending Scheme and Digital Skills Support, while there are also family-friendly activities including Bounce and Rhyme Sessions.

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Providing warm spaces for residents is one of the ways the council is looking to support people this winter.

As part of a £2.5m winter support campaign, £200,000 has been given to charities and the voluntary sector to help residents in need, emergency fuel payments have been made available as well as food vouchers for eligible children and families who need support. 

The libraries where residents can visit to get warm are as follows:

  • Chadderton Library and Wellbeing Centre - Burnley Street, Chadderton, OL9 0JW
  • Crompton Library - 7 Farrow Street East, Shaw, OL2 8QY
  • Delph Library - Millgate, Delph, OL3 5JG
  • Failsworth Library - Oldham Road, Failsworth, M35 0AE
  • Fitton Hill Library - Fitton Hill Neighbourhood Centre, Fircroft Road, OL8 2QD
  • Greenfield Library - Chew Vale, Greenfield, OL3 7EQ
  • Lees Library Community Hub - 9 Thomas Street, Lees, OL4 5DA
  • Limehurst Library - St Chads Centre, Lime Green Parade, Limehurst, OL8 3HH
  • Northmoor Library - Chadderton Way, Oldham, OL9 6DH
  • Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre - Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL
  • Royton Library - 60 Rochdale Road, Royton, OL2 6QJ
  • Uppermill Library - St. Chad’s House, Uppermill, OL3 6AZ

There are also a number of non-council operated venues in Oldham which are taking part in the Warm Welcome Spaces programme this winter.

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Cllr Arooj Shah, Oldham Council Leader, said: "I know that as we head into winter many people are still feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis. That's why we're doing everything we can to support people who need us.

"If you do need help please don't struggle in silence. Come to one of our libraries if you need to go somewhere warm or call us on our helpline if you need that bit of extra support."

If a resident requires wellbeing or emergency support they can contact the council's helpline on 0161 770 7007 between 9am and 5pm on weekdays.