Oldham libraries news and events guide September – December 2010
Learn more at your library with computer courses and family history classes
September 2010
Contents page 2 Welcome Library members news page 3 Oldham Book Festival Poetry workshops Reading and writing groups page 4 Henna at Oldham Library Business sessions Lunchtime talks Health and wellbeing events page 5 Get It Loud In Oldham Library Storytelling at Lees Hub page 6 Computer classes Genealogy courses page 7 Christmas, Eid and Diwali Events in brief page 8 Contact details for all Oldham libraries www.oldham.gov.uk/libraries
welcome...
to the autumn and winter edition of your news and events guide. You’ll find a range of activities for adults happening at Oldham libraries until the end of the year. We’ve made some changes for this edition, with the emphasis now on activities for adults. All our events for youngsters can be found in a separate Children and Families Guide available at libraries and community venues across Oldham. If you need more information on any activities just ask library staff or visit www.oldham.gov.uk/libraries
News for library members Online events calendar We’ve now added an online calendar to the Oldham Libraries webpages. You can search for activities by date, location or category and print out the results. To use the new calendar visit www.oldham.gov.uk/libraries
Find us on Facebook
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Oldham Book Festival The best in fiction, biography and modern storytelling are on show at this year’s Oldham Book Festival. We’ve a packed week of activities from Wednesday 22 to Thursday 30 September, with ten events happening across our libraries. Bestselling authors Sophie Hannah, Sathnam Sanghera and Elizabeth Chadwick talk about their influences and most popular works. While the voices of new writers like Nikita Lalwani, Heather Ferrier and Oldham Evening Chronicle columnist Kevin Fitzpatrick can all be discovered. Tickets for all author events cost £2.50 and are available from the relevant library. For a full list of events pick up a copy of the Oldham Book Festival brochure at any library or visit www. oldham.gov.uk/libraries
Let poetry set you free
This autumn sees Oldham Libraries going live on Facebook. We’ve details of upcoming events, promotions and links to our online reference library. You can find us by logging on to www.facebook.com and typing Oldham Libraries into the search panel.
Create your own works and learn about performance at our Freed Up Poetry workshops at Oldham Library.
Not yet a library member?
No writing experience is needed, just a willingness to take part. Call 0161 770 8016 to book your Freed Up Poetry place.
Becoming a member of Oldham Libraries is easy. A library card allows you to take books, CDs and DVDs home on loan and use our computers and online services. Membership is free for adults and children. Just ask a member of staff or visit www.oldham.gov.uk/libraries to join online.
Prolific poet Dominic Berry is your guide for two sessions on Wednesdays 13 and 20 October, 6.30–8pm. The workshops lead to a final live performance on Wednesday 27 October, 7–9pm with tickets costing £2.50.
Reading and writing groups If you love books and enjoy meeting people then our reading groups are for you. Groups meet once a month to try out new titles in a relaxed and informal setting. From the latest bestsellers to popular classics we offer a range of books for you to enjoy and discuss at length. Most of our libraries run adult reading groups, with a visually impaired group based at Crompton Library. Budding novelists can also join one of our writing groups. Meet with other authors and share your latest works at Failsworth, Lees, Oldham and Uppermill libraries. New members are always welcome at our reading and writing groups. Contact your local library or visit www.oldham.gov.uk/libraries for more details.
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events update... Introducing… Henna
Take a journey of discovery with an evening of live storytelling at Oldham Library. Peter and Gorg Chand uncover tales of love, loss and betrayal on Thursday 4 November, 7–8.30pm. The performance, entitled Henna, is set on the eve of a wedding where a young bride-to-be is having henna applied to her hands. As the patterns emerge the stories begin to unfold. With tales collected and translated from India you are invited to the wedding of the year! Tickets for this special event cost £2.50 and are available in advance from Oldham Library. Call 0161 770 8000 for bookings and more details
Business is booming
We offer a wide range of specialist information across our libraries to help local employers grow their businesses. Free workshops on a range of topics also run at Oldham Library each month:
Self-employment and I Tuesday 7 September, 2–3.30pm. Motivational tips and ideas to generate income for solo workers and small businesses.
Newly self-employed Tuesday 5 October, 10am–12.30pm. A helpful starter guide looking at tax returns and HM Revenue and Customs information.
Training in business Friday 22 October, 2–3.30pm. An informative presentation looking at education and continuous development in business training.
Volunteering in the community
Lunchtime talks at Oldham Library
Tuesday 2 November, 10am–11.30am. Advice on funding opportunities and volunteering roles in the local community.
Tuesday 7 December, 6–7.30pm. Details of information, resources and support for local businesses from your local library. Call 0161 770 8036 for more details on all our business and employment services.
Social networking
Health and wellbeing events
A Vision for Oldham
Thursday 21 October, 1.30–2.30pm. Charlie Parker, Chief Executive of Oldham Council, talks about the role of the Council in shaping the future direction of the Borough.
Embracing e-books
Thursday 18 November, 1–2pm. Try out a selection of e-readers and hear about future e-reading developments.
Life’s a pantomime Thursday 16 December, 1–2pm. Oldham Coliseum take you backstage to uncover the secrets of this year’s pantomime Sleeping Beauty. All sessions are free and there’s no need to book.
A feast of stories at Lees Hub Stories from Beyond Tuesday 5 October, 6–8pm
Patrick Ryan and Peter Chand return to Lees Library to perform a mix of spooky stories, urban myths and tales from Indian folklore. The evening also marks the official launch of Mystical Oldham by Janette Quinlan, with signed copies of the book available on the night.
Magical Stories
Tuesday 2 November, 6–7pm Christine McMahon (below) is a vibrant storyteller who uses wit and words to bring imaginary places to life. Her traditional folktales will take you on a magical journey.
The young band have been receiving rave music and plenty of radio plays for their debut single Bloodshot Days. Having met at university the band are avid readers so will feel at home performing in the library. Support comes from talented singer songwriter Alan Pownall. The event is part of the national Get It Loud In Libraries project that aims to change ideas of what modern libraries have to offer.
Get fit with a weekly health walk at Lees Library. The group meets every Tuesday at 9.30am for a gentle stroll around the local area before light refreshments are served back at the Hub. Have fun and stay healthy by trying out the Wii Fit programme at Lees Library on Friday 15 October, 7–9.30pm. This free evening session is a great way to meet up with friends and exercise together.
Make some Headroom Experience Reiki and Indian head massage treatments at Oldham Library on Tuesday 16 November, 10am– 1pm. The hands-on session is led by a trained therapist and you can also explore the health and wellbeing resources in the library. Call 0161 770 8036 for details.
World Book is the biggest Sheffield’s indie Day pop romantics The annual celebration of at books andLibrary reading Crookes play live Oldham on in the country. Sunday 3 October, 8pm.
Feast of Stories is a new series of events for adults that brings imaginary worlds to life. We’ve three spellbinding events guaranteed to delight, amuse and entertain you:
Step out for a stroll
Wii play at Lees Library
Where’s Wally Get It Loud at on World Book Day? Oldham Library
Discover the magic of live storytelling this autumn at Lees Library.
Ask about business
Take time out at one of our lunchtime talks at Oldham Library. Each month we welcome experts to discuss an interesting new topic. From technology to theatre there’s sure to be something for you to learn and enjoy: Thursday 16 September, 1–1.45pm. Discover the benefits and pitfalls of online social networking sites.
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Shaharazad - Stories for Life Tuesday 7 December, 6–7pm
Shonaleigh is one of the country’s foremost storytellers. She draws on Yiddish, English and European cultures to create vivid new worlds. All the Feast of Stories events are free, with advance booking recommended for all three nights. Call 0161 633 5764 for tickets and more details.
After the success of our first concert with Daisy Dares You back in March we’ll be hosting more music events over the coming year. You can check out The Crookes music at www. myspace.com/thecrookesmusic and Alan Pownall at www.myspace.com/alanpownall Tickets for The Crookes cost £6 and are available direct from Oldham Library or online at www.seetickets.com
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Adult learning classes Oldham Libraries provide a range of adult learning classes and short courses. Our learning activities are designed to help you develop personal and practical skills. All classes are free and open to everyone.
Byte size computer courses
Take your first steps to using computers and the Internet with our free Online Basics short courses. Over four sessions you’ll learn how to use a keyboard and mouse, send emails, search for information and stay safe on the web. You’ll then be able to keep in touch with family and friends or save time and money online. Courses run across all our libraries throughout the year. Visit our website at www.oldham.gov.uk/ libraries for dates and ask library staff for details on how to book onto the Online Basics courses.
Trace your family tree Free genealogy courses Delve into your family history with free genealogy courses at Oldham’s libraries. Over six weeks you’ll learn to use online databases and get tips on where to go next in your research. All you need are some basic computer skills to help you get the most from the course. The first five sessions take place in your local library with a final workshop at Oldham Local Studies and Archives on Union Street, Oldham. Places are limited so please book in advance. Just ask at the library for local dates and details of how you can sign up for the free genealogy courses.
Get ready to celebrate! We run a year round programme of Celebrate! events to mark cultural and religious festivals across our libraries. Look out for the following activities in the next few months:
Eid events
Mark the end of Ramadan and the breaking of the fast at our Eid Millan events. Activities are free and open to all sections of the community.
Lees Library Community Hub
Eid celebration: Saturday 18 Sept, 11am–4pm
Northmoor Library
Eid party: Friday 10 Sept, 4–5pm
Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre
Get Online Week
The story of Diwali
Trace the history of Diwali at a special free event at Oldham Library on Thursday 28 Oct, 10am–4pm.
Monday 18 October
Artworks created by young people from the Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Oldham and the Indian Association will be on display. Interactive activities and refreshments run throughout the day.
Tuesday 19 October
Christmas is coming
Greenfield: Managing files, 2–3.30pm Learn how to organise online records.
From carols to card making we’ve plenty of festive activities to keep you warm this winter. All activities are free and there’s no need to book in advance:
Oldham: Healthy bytes, 10–11.30am Find out about health and wellbeing information.
Wednesday 20 October
Thursday 21 October
Chadderton: Public services, 11am–1pm Access council and government services online. Uppermill: Digital photography, 11am–12noon Use your digital camera creatively.
Friday 22 October
Royton: Your freedom, 9.30am–4.30pm View the government’s new liberties website. Oldham: Job hunting, 10–11.30am Online job applications. Failsworth: Job hunting, 1–3pm Employment tips and advice. Lees: Understand banking, 2–3pm Tips for safe online banking.
Christmas at the Pole: Thursdays 2 and 9 Dec, 2–4pm. Christmas concert: Saturday 18 Dec, 11am–12.30pm
Fitton Hill Library
Christmas card making for adults: Monday 29 Nov, 12.30–1.30pm
Lees Library Community Hub
Christmas lights switch-on: Saturday 4 Dec, 4–6.30pm. Watch the village lights being turned on before food and entertainment are served at the Hub.
Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre Christmas concert: Sunday 5 Dec, 2–3pm. With music from Oldham Community Choir.
Christmas choirs: Saturday 11 Dec, 11am–12noon During December our Chat and Choose sessions across libraries also have a Christmas theme. Look out too for a range of family events over the festive period. Check out the new Children and Families Guide or visit www.oldham.gov.uk/libraries for more details.
Eid concert and party: Sunday 19 Sept, 11am–1.30pm
Get Online Week runs across the country from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 October. The aim is to inspire and encourage more people to get online and learn more about the Internet. We’ve organised a week of extra computer lessons for everyone who has completed the Online Basics course. All sessions are free, contact the library to book in advance.
Crompton: Understand banking, 10am–12noon Log on to online banking sites safely. Northmoor: Job hunting, 2–3.30pm Search for jobs and fill out online applications.
Failsworth Library
Events in brief… Make your voices heard
Preserve your stories of Saddleworth for future generations at two special events. Saddleworth Voices is an audio collection of memories of the local area. Add your personal stories at Uppermill Library on Thursday 9 September, 9.30am–7pm and Greenfield Library on Saturday 11 September, 10am–1pm.
Crack the credit crunch Get practical tips to help manage your finances at Oldham Library on Tuesday 14 September, 2–3.30pm. The free session includes advice from a personal counsellor and life coach to get you through the credit crunch.
Black History Month
Chat and choose
English language classes
Get the right advice
Catch up with friends over a coffee at our new Chat and Choose events. Sessions are free and are a great way to relax while selecting your latest books. Chat and Choose events take place at most libraries, just ask staff for more details.
People from English speaking Caribbean countries can trace their family tree at Oldham Library on Saturday 9 October, 2–5pm. The free event is part of national Black History Month and refreshments are provided during the day.
Oldham Library holds an assessment day for our next round of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) facilitation classes on Thursday 23 September, 9am–12noon. The 8 week programme covers basic English and citizenship lessons. Call 0161 770 8015 to book your place and get more information.
Chadderton Library
Christmas concert: Saturday 11 Dec, 11am–12.30pm. Festive music with a brass band and carol singing.
Employment and benefit advice is now available at Northmoor Library every Wednesday, 1.30–3.30pm. Crompton Library also hosts advice sessions, with First Choice Homes Oldham staff and local police officers, on the first Thursday of the month from 9.30am–11.30am.
Chadderton Library
Limehurst Library
Chadderton Wellbeing Centre, Burnley Street, Chadderton OL9 OJW T: 0161 770 5656 E: chadderton.library@oldham.gov.uk Open: Mon to Thurs 9am–8pm, Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 9am–4pm, Sun 10am–4pm
St. Chads Centre, Lime Green Parade, Limehurst OL8 3HH T: 0161 624 0351 E: limehurst.library@oldham.gov.uk Open: Mon 10am–6pm, Weds 1–7pm, Thurs 1–6pm, Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–1pm
Crompton Library
Northmoor Library
Farrow Street East, Shaw OL2 8QY T: 01706 842184 E: crompton.library@oldham.gov.uk Open: Mon 9.30am–7pm, Tues 9.30am–5pm, Weds 9.30am–7pm, Thurs 9.30am–7pm, Fri 9.30am–5pm, Sat 9.30am–1pm
Delph Book Lending Service Millgate, Delph OL3 5JG T: 01457 874381 Call for opening times
Failsworth Library Main Street, Failsworth M35 9DP T: 0161 681 2405 E: failsworth.library@oldham.gov.uk Open: Mon 9.30am–7pm, Tues 9.30am–5pm, Weds 9.30am–7pm, Thurs 9.30am–7pm, Fri 9.30am–5pm, Sat 9.30am–1pm
Fitton Hill Library Fir Tree Avenue, Fitton Hill OL8 2QP T: 0161 633 2011 E: fittonhill.library@oldham.gov.uk Open: Mon 10am–5pm, Weds 1–6pm, Fri 12noon–5pm, Sat 10am–1pm
Greenfield Library Chew Vale, Greenfield OL3 7EQ T: 01457 872472 E: greenfield.library@oldham.gov.uk Open: Mon 10am–5pm, Weds 1–7pm, Fri 1–5pm, Sat 10am–1pm
Lees Library Community Hub Thomas Street, Lees OL4 5DA T: 0161 633 5764 E: lees.library@oldham.gov.uk Open: Mon 9.30am–7pm, Tues 9.30am–5pm, Weds 9.30am–7pm, Thurs 9.30am–7pm, Fri 9.30am–5pm, Sat 9.30am–1pm
Chadderton Way, Oldham OL9 6DH T: 0161 633 1168 E: northmoor.library@oldham.gov.uk Open: Mon 10am–5pm, Weds 12.30–6pm, Fri 12.30–5pm, Sat 10am–1pm
Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre Cultural Quarter, Greaves Street, Oldham OL1 1AL T: 0161 770 8000 E: oldham.library@oldham.gov.uk Open: Mon to Thurs 9am–9.30pm (express library from 7–9.30pm), Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 9am–4pm, Sun 10am–4pm
Royton Library Rochdale Road, Royton OL2 6QJ T: 0161 770 3087 E: royton.library@oldham.gov.uk Open: Mon 9.30am–7pm, Tues 9.30am–5pm, Weds 9.30am–7pm, Thurs 9.30am–7pm, Fri 9.30am–5pm, Sat 9.30am–1pm
Turf Lane Community Book Exchange Turf Lane Lifelong Learning Centre, Turf Lane, Chadderton OL9 8HP T: 0161 682 6120 E: chadderton.library@oldham.gov.uk Open: Mon to Thurs 9am–4pm, Fri 9am–3pm
Uppermill Library St. Chad’s, High Street, Uppermill OL3 6AP T: 01457 872777 E: uppermill.library@oldham.gov.uk Open: Mon 9.30am–7pm, Tues 9.30am–1pm, Weds 9.30am–7pm, Thurs 9.30am–7pm, Fri 9.30am–5pm, Sat 9.30am–1pm
Visit www.oldham.gov.uk/libraries for more information on all Oldham libraries. All events, dates times correct at time of going to press and are subject to change. Published September 2010. As part of Oldham’s commitment to a sustainable future, this newsletter is printed on recycled paper made from 100% post-consumer waste. When you have finished with it, please recycle it. To obtain a copy of this magazine in an alternative format call 0161 770 4743.