Try library for tea and cakes

Reporter: DAWN MARSDEN
Date online: 08/03/2010

VISITORS to Oldham Library can now pick up a cake and a cuppa alongside their books, CDs and DVDs.

Cafe Culture has opened its doors in Gallery Oldham allowing customers to take a break from browsing the shelves or taking in the latest exhibition.

The cafe is managed by the council’s Community Vocational Service, which helps people with disabilities find employment.

The service gives disabled people the opportunity to strengthen their work experience and develop skills and confidence as well as work towards nationally recognised qualifications.

One of the CVS’s most successful programmes is the allotment project using previously derelict land in Failsworth.

Organic produce grown at the allotments is used at Cafe Culture along with fruit grown at orchards in Fitton Hill.

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for community services and housing, said: “Not only is Café Culture proving to be popular with visitors to the gallery, but it is also becoming a destination in its own right for people coming into the town centre.

“The newly refurbished café is a welcome addition to the gallery building and I’m sure it will encourage more people to visit.

“The workers are extremely professional and serve up some great food and because some of it is locally grown by users of the Community Vocational Service it tastes even better.”

Café Culture is open seven days a week, from 10am-4pm Monday-Friday and from 10am-3.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.