Fall in love with reading again: Oldham residents urged to rediscover their libraries in 2026
2026 is the National Year of Reading – an initiative led by The National Literacy Trust to inspire more people to make reading part of their lives.
Cllr Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, is encouraging residents in Oldham to make 2026 the year they rediscover their library in Oldham if they haven’t been for a while.
Oldham has 12 libraries across the borough, from the busy and vibrant central library in Oldham’s Cultural Quarter, to gems such as the newly-refurbished Northmoor Library in Coldhurst and Uppermill Library in St Chad’s Gardens.
“There’s something really special about getting lost in a good book, and with 2026 being the National Year of Reading, it’s the perfect time to fall back in love with reading,” said Cllr Dean.
“Our libraries across Oldham are friendly, welcoming places in the heart of our communities. They’re completely free to join and everyone is welcome. So if it’s been a while since your last visit you’re bound to find something new to enjoy.”
Last year Oldham’s central library, which has 900,000 visitors in a year, was highly commended as one of the nation’s best libraries in the British Book Awards. Oldham Library was also a finalist in the North England regional award.
Oldham’s libraries are free to join, joining is easy at your local library or you can join online at hla.oldham.gov.uk/libraries.
Anyone looking for inspiration for getting back into reading or getting started, the library will have a book, magazine or newspaper for you – and there are groups you can join including Knit and Natter, Chat and Choose and Brews, Biscuits and Banter.
Visitors can also pick up a reading calendar at their local library, with monthly reading prompts and book recommendations from the libraries team.
No time to get to the library? Try the free digital library where you can borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers. Just download the Borrowbox app, select Oldham Libraries from the list and log in with your library card.
And join Oldham Libraries on social media for book recommendations and to keep up to date with National Year of Reading activities. Find us on Facebook @oldhamlibraryservice and Instagram @oldham_libraries.
The National Year of Reading events programme offers something for everyone including author events, World Book Night celebrations, the Summer Reading Challenge, StoryFest and the Greater Manchester Festival of Libraries.
You can book now for an afternoon with Adam Farrer, author of Broken Biscuits and other Male Failures as part of the Healthy New Year Festival 2026 at 1pn on Friday January 23. To book click here.
And bring your little ones down to Little Reads at Oldham Library to celebrate National Storytelling Week at 10am on Friday 30 January.
