Libraries are safe with us: Lib-Dems

COUNCILLOR Mark Alcock used national Save Our Libraries Day to champion the borough’s libraries and reaffirm their safety from cuts.

The Liberal Democrat councillor spoke up for innovative new methods being used to attract locals, including the use of computers, the rental of DVDs and Ebooks and community events.

It came as thousands of protesters across the country backed their local facilities in a bid to save them becoming victims of council’s spending cuts.

Lees library was brimming with activity on Saturday as youngsters and parents took part in a day of traditional games complete with fun stalls, board games and face painting.

Councillor Alcock, cabinet member for citizens and neighbourhoods, said: “They are part of the fabric of society — children love going to the library and reading.

“Opening the central library on Sundays has seen hundreds of visitors come and it’s increasing every week.

“We’re not saying we’re doing everything right but we are working with other libraries across the North-West to see what services can be offered.”

He agreed that the success stories of Oldham’s libraries were a sign of hope for other areas.

It is estimated that almost 400 libraries are under threat of closure, a move that the council has decided to avoid in Oldham in the next financial year.

Nazeera Atcha, who organised the Lees fun day, said: “The library is about so much more than books, we have so many events on and it really has worked in Lees, numbers of visitors have increased.”