Hundreds join celebrations as the restored Old Library opens its doors for a special preview

Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah, opened the event and revealed the building’s new name, The J.R. Clynes Building. Honouring one of Oldham’s most important sons, John Robert Clynes was the former MP and leader of the Labour Party who played a key role in shaping the town’s history.

The son of an Irish labourer, John began work in a cotton mill at just 10 years old, attending night school after long shifts and saving to buy books, including a dictionary, a Bible and the complete works of Shakespeare.

John rose from humble beginnings to become leader of the Labour Party between 1921 and 1922, guiding it through the historic general election that made Labour the official opposition for the first time in British history.

His experience gave him a powerful voice, which he used to write about child labour, help form the Piercers’ Union and later, serve as both Leader of the Commons and Home Secretary.

The landmark Grade II-listed building has undergone extensive redevelopment and will soon reopen as a vibrant civic and cultural hub, bringing it back into public use for the first time since 2017.

 

Dating back to 1883, the 34,800 sq. ft Old Library served as a cornerstone of community life for over 130 years before being replaced by the Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre in 2006.

The building was a hub where generations of residents learnt to read, explored innovative ideas, and connected with their heritage through the library and museum.

Just as the Old Library inspired and educated so many Oldhamers over the decades, the J.R Clynes Building will now stand as a symbol of ambition for the town.

During the event residents and dignitaries from across Greater Manchester got the chance to explore the beautifully restored building on guided tours, learning about its history, the extensive restoration process by partners Tilbury Douglas, and its exciting future that lies ahead.

Outside, the brand-new community garden was the setting for an afternoon packed with free entertainment for families.

Those in attendance enjoyed live music from Flat Cap Brass and Flat Cap 3, performances from Shakespeare and Phileas Fogg, creative craft sessions with Oldham Play Action Group, and meet-and-greets with mascots Ollie and Millie.

 

Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said:
“Seeing so many people come together to celebrate the Old Library’s past, and future was incredibly special, and we hope families enjoyed the free entertainment.

“The Old Library isn’t just bricks and mortar, it’s a living memory. A place woven into the fabric of Oldham’s story. For generations, it’s been a gateway to knowledge, and a symbol of civic pride.

“I still remember walking through these doors as a child with my family. I can remember the smell of the old books, the excitement that a trip to the library brought, and the sense that anything was possible. I know many of you share those memories, they’re moments that shaped who we are.

“The open day was a real community moment, and this is just the start of a new chapter for this iconic space and is named as such.

“John Robert Clynes’ legacy has lasted for more than a century and it’s right that he is immortalised in this building’s name.

“It’s a small way of demonstrating the pride we have for a man who built himself up from nothing and brought about real change.

“I’d like to thank our partners, staff and everyone involved who have made the restoration possible.”

The Old Library restoration project has been a significant investment in Oldham’s heritage, breathing new life into the Grade II listed building while retaining its original character.

 

The Old Library will officially reopen later this year and features a new studio for Oldham Theatre Workshop, newly restored Council Chamber and Mayor’s Parlour, meeting rooms for civic and community use, a beautifully restored art gallery on the second floor, and a new community garden that will also host public events throughout the year.

This significant development is one of many being delivered as part of the council’s Building a Better Oldham programme, transforming key sites across the borough to create jobs and grow local businesses, provide opportunities to learn and gain new skills​ and improve health and wellbeing. 

It will unlock investment worth £285 million in Oldham town centre, 1,000 new jobs and 100 apprenticeship opportunities.

Other developments in the programme include 2,000 new homes in the town centre, a new market and event space, opening later this year in Spindles Shopping Centre, the restoration of the Oldham Coliseum, and a brand-new park, named Tommyfield Park.

For more information click here.