Oldham Library’s a real treasure

OLDHAM Library is the most visited in the North West — and is flourishing while libraries across the region face cuts and closures.

The North-West saw the UK’s largest drop in spending on libraries last year - 11.8 per cent, according to new research. The number of libraries dropped from 445 to 430 - the second largest percentage fall in the country.

Oldham, with 581,354 visits in the year to March, is the region’s most-visited library and the country’s 20th most-visited library.

Councillor Jean Stretton said: “Traditional library services remain well used, but we see libraries as much more than book-lending buildings. A modern library service is a valuable community resource and our staff work hard to provide a wide range of services.”