Oldham Libraries earns national Met Strong rating from Arts Council England

Oldham Libraries has been awarded a Met Strong rating by Arts Council England, placing it among the top library services in the country. The recognition comes through the Libraries Development Framework, which evaluates services on excellence, innovation, and community impact.

The service was praised for using data to design programmes that meet local needs, including early years literacy, digital inclusion, and health literacy initiatives. This approach ensures libraries adapt to what residents actually need rather than offering one-size-fits-all services.

Councillor Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure, said the rating recognises the hard work of library staff in delivering services that truly meet residents' needs. Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, called it a win for the community and a source of pride for the borough.

Looking ahead, Oldham Libraries will use the Framework to develop new partnerships and secure funding over the next five years. In 2026, they'll launch Author Sparks, a free Arts Council-funded programme bringing author workshops, creative exchanges, and in-person visits to children across the borough.