Oldham Council has faced criticism from councillors and some members of the public over the decision to rename the newly-refurbished Old Library as the J. R. Clynes Building. The £32m restoration project included a new council chamber, and council leader Arooj Shah defended the choice by highlighting Clynes' local roots and his journey from a mill worker to a Labour Party leader. Opposition councillors, particularly from the Conservative group, argued that the naming lacked public consultation and suggested more prominent figures. Public reaction was mixed, with some praising the tribute and others preferring simpler or more inclusive names.