Library — new chapter to open

LEES Library will be closed for three weeks for work to create a £536,000 community hub.

It will close to the public on September 22 for a three-week period, but a temporary portable library building will open in the car park on Monday, October 13.

Building work is expected to finish around six months later.

Oldham Libraries were awarded a grant from the Big Lottery to extend the building in Thomas Street, to include community and meeting spaces and improvements to learning and information facilities.

During the work, Lees Library will be extended to the front and rear and a flexible community space will be created, to be used by a wide range of groups and organisations, for learning and advice sessions and social activities.

A private space will provide a room for smaller-scale activities and confidential meetings. There will also be improved customer facilities, and fully accessible toilets.

Extended IT facilities will enable more and bigger courses to be run, and there are plans to set up after- school homework sessions.

A wide range of consultations have taken place with library users, people living in the area, voluntary organisations, community groups, schools and other agencies.

Anyone interested in being involved with the project should contact Lees Library on 0161-633 5764.

A Lees Library hub project outreach worker is being recruited to help develop and run projects.

Anyone interested in more information about the post should visit www.oldham.gov.uk