Oldham urged to rediscover libraries in 2026 National Year of Reading
Oldham Council's Cllr Peter Dean is encouraging residents to rediscover their local libraries in 2026, designated as the National Year of Reading by The National Literacy Trust. Oldham has 12 libraries across the borough, including the central library in Oldham's Cultural Quarter and recently refurbished Northmoor Library in Coldhurst. The central library, which attracts 900,000 visitors annually, was highly commended in the British Book Awards and was a finalist in the North England regional award. Libraries are free to join and offer various services including physical books, digital borrowing through the Borrowbox app, and community groups like Knit and Natter. The National Year of Reading includes events such as author talks, World Book Night celebrations, and the Summer Reading Challenge.