news and events guide September – December 2011

Oldham libraries

A new boost for Failsworth

September 2011

ContentsPage 2WelcomeA new boost for Failsworth

Page 3Literature festival weekendA feast of stories

Page 4 and 5Theatre seasonLiterary mix

Page 6Lifting the lid on learning

Page 7Health and wellbeingBusiness bustingLet’s celebrate!

Page 8News for library members.Volunteering with Oldham librariesInternational Literacy DayBook a bag!Conversation clubContact details

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to the latest edition of your News and Events Guide. You’ll find a range of activities for adults happening at Oldham libraries until the end of December. A separate brochure is available for children and family activities. You can pick one up at your local library or if you need more information on any of our activities, just ask a member of library staff. You can also view a complete listing of all of our events, including our regular events programme, on our online events calendar. Visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/libraries

A new boost for FailsworthAn ambitious regeneration scheme in the district centre of Failsworth saw the old Town Hall refurbished and extended to bring the former Carnegie Library back to life and in use once again. The development, which opened its doors to the public in March, was boosted by a £2.2 million capital investment injection from funds generated by the original Tesco development.Originally built in 1880 at a cost of £2,600, Failsworth Town Hall housed a range of council services and was extended sometime later to provide a home to the new library, gifted to the people of Failsworth by Andrew Carnegie, which opened in 1909. Failsworth Town Hall closed three years ago when the last council tenants moved out.The development boasts a fantastic, spacious function hall with bar, there are plans to include a café area, and the building is shared between Oldham libraries and Oldham Lifelong Learning service. The building brings a range of community facilities together under one roof, and successfully blends an open plan layout with modern fixtures and fittings with the original, historic features to make a welcoming, comfortable and attractive space.

The new library facility benefits from increased computers, doubling the number of computers available for public use and providing more access to the Internet and our popular computer courses. We have also installed a handy self-service point for those quick visits, whilst creating a number of comfortable seating areas for those browsers wanting to relax among the bookshelves. The children’s library has been boosted with lots of new books and a futuristic reading pod – watch you don’t blast off into outer space!

Failsworth Library is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 9.30am-7pm; Tuesday and Friday: 9.30am-5pm; and Saturday mornings from 9.30am-1pm.

Welcome...

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A feast of stories at Lees Library Community HubSusanna Oldfield– Storyteller 6 September Workshop: 4.30-5.30pm / Evening Performance: 6pmFree Event. To book a place, contact Lees Library Community Hub on 0161 633 5764.

In 2005 Susanna took part in the ‘Young Storyteller of the Year Award’ competition and was awarded ‘high commendation’. Her performance

background gives her storytelling a fun, relevant and engaging style. Susanna loves to bring both classic myths and wise folktales to life through the spoken word.

Hugh Lupton – Storyteller 4 OctoberWorkshop: 4.30-5.30pm / Evening Performance: 6pm Free Event. To book a place, contact Lees Library Community Hub on 0161 633 5764.

Hugh Lupton’s interest in traditional music, street theatre, live poetry, and myth resulted in him becoming a professional storyteller in 1981. In 1985, he formed the Company of Storytellers with Ben Haggarty and Pomme Clayton with a view to taking storytelling to adult audiences. Come and see a

storyteller whose work has been instrumental in stimulating a nation-wide revival of interest in the genre.

Kate Corkery - Storyteller15 NovemberWorkshop: 4.30-5.30pm / Evening Performance: 6pm Free Event. To book a place, contact Lees Library Community Hub on 0161 633 5764.

Kate Corkery has worked as a storyteller since 1988, travelling widely to theatres, libraries and schools. Come and join Kate to share a wealth of Irish myths, legends and folktales, as well as a variety of fascinating stories, songs and games from around the world.

Literary weekend highlightsWilliam Roache – 50 Years on the Street: My Life with Ken Barlow8 September, 7-8pm, Failsworth LibraryTickets: £2.00. To book a place, contact Failsworth Library on 0161 770 5820.BBC journalist Kevin Fitzpatrick interviews William Roache about his acting career and his new book, My Life with Ken Barlow.

Carol Ann Lee – One of Your Own: The Life and Death of Myra Hindley9 September, 7-8pm, Lees LibraryTickets: £2.00. To book a place, contact Lees Library on 0161 633 5764.Meet the author of One of Your Own, the definitive study of Hindley and the Moors Murders case, in this insightful and fascinating talk.

Cheryl Martin – Life’s a drama (writing workshop)10 September, 11am-12.30pm, Crompton LibraryFree event. To book a place, contact the Literature Team on 0161 770 8016/8010.Bring your personal dramas to life by translating them into a piece of creative writing with the help of award winning writer and director Cheryl Martin.

David Nobbs – Obstacles To Young Love10 September, 2-3pm, Uppermill LibraryTickets: £2.00. To book a place, contact Uppermill Library on 01457 872 777.David Nobbs, creator of Reginald lolanthe Perrin – the star of three novels and three television series, joins us to unveil his latest offering: Obstacles To Young Love – the story of two young lovers and the obsta-cles their love must face.

Michelle Green – Forget-Me-Not: The language of flowers (poetry workshop)11 September, 11am-12.30pm, Gallery OldhamFree event. To book a place, contact the Literature Team on 0161 770 8016/8010.Award winning poet Michelle Green will be exploring the rich terrain of flowers and how their very presence in our everyday lives can inspire a flowery word, bard or verse.

Cream tea with Erica James11 September, 2-3pm, Oldham Café CultureTickets £2.00. To book a place, contact Oldham Library on 0161 770 8000.Erica will be discussing her latest book Promises, Promises – a novel about three people who have all made promises to themselves to get through the heartache and monotony of life.

Billy Cowan: Stand and Deliver MonologuesWorkshops: 7, 14, 21 September, 7-8.30pm Lees Library Community HubFree event. To book a place at this event, contact the Literature Development Team on 0161 770 8016/8010.Award winning playwright Billy Cowan delivers workshops about the formation of monologues, the unique voice of the character and shaping its content.

Billy Cowan: Stand and Deliver Performance2 November, 7-8pm Lees Library Community HubFree Event. To book a place at this event, contact Lees Library Community Hub on 0161 633 5764. After weeks of shaping their monologues, writers will have their work directed and performed by actors. Join us as we share the monologues developed through the workshops, a turning point for the emerging playwrights as their work is aired to a live audience.

The Split Second - Oldham Theatre Workshop 12 October, 7pm Oldham Library Performance Space

Free Event. To book a place at this event, contact Literature Development Team on 0161 770 8016/8010.The Split Second is a hard-hitting, powerful piece, which was commissioned as part of the Chris Dale campaign to highlight the dangers of driving. A truly gripping and emotional piece of theatre!

A Murder Mystery Night with Mark Llewellin25 November, 7-8.30pmOldham LibraryTickets: £4 (includes wine and nibbles). Tickets limited. To book a place at this event, please contact Oldham Library on 0161 770 8000.Have you ever been to an author talk where someone is murdered? If the answer is no, then come and witness the craziest book launch you’ll ever see when daytime soap star Brenda Le Grande returns to her home town of Oldham to launch her no-holds-barred autobiography. But she hasn’t counted on a few uninvited guests, skeletons bursting from closets – and a murder! Can you help PC Lowther solve the crime before the murderer escapes? Join us for a unique evening of laughs, scandals and over-the-top acting!

Bright Young Things 30 November, 4-5pm Oldham Library Performance SpaceFree Event. To book a place at this event, contact Oldham Library on 0161 770 8000.The pupils of Oldham Academy North have been working tirelessly to produce monologues fit for performance by professional actors. Come and see Oldham’s brightest young stars performing live.

An Evening with Willy Russell2 December, 7.30-8.30pm Millgate Arts Centre, Delph

Tickets £7 available from Uppermill Library 01457 872777 / Greenfield Library 01457 872472/ Delph Library, Millgate, Delph, Oldham OL3 5JG 01457 874381. For enquiries about this event, contact the Literature Development Team on 0161 770 8016/8010.Willy Russell is one of the most successful writers

of our time; Shirley Valentine (1988) and Educating Rita (1981) are Russell’s two most successful plays, which also became hit films. Blood Brothers has been playing in the West End since 1983 and won three Best Music Awards and one Best Actress Award at the Laurence Olivier Awards. Willy Russell’s plays have been performed in countries across the globe. We’re honoured to have Willy Russell for this special evening.

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Theatre season

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Literary mixSuperheroes of Slam 22 September, 7pmOldham Library Performance SpaceTickets: £2.00. Contact Punam Ramchurn on 0161 770 8016 to register your interest and take part in the poetry slam contest.Superheroes of Slam is the regional heat of the furiously contested poetry slam. If you think you can rock or shock the microphone, this is the platform for you. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time or your hundredth, this slam is open to everyone. The audience will be the judge, so if you think you’ve got it, come on down…

Is there a novelist in the house? Workshops: 10, 17, 24 October, 5.30-7pmFailsworth Library Free Event. To book a place at this event, contact the Literature Development Team on 0161 770 8016/8010. Places are limited so please book in advance. What does it take to be an author? New Writing Co-ordinator Martin de Mello of Commonword will be giving advice to budding authors on how to develop their work for publication. The workshops will explore the creative work of the writers and understand what a publisher is really looking for.

Photogenic PoetryWorkshops: 24 October; 7 November; 14 November, 6.30 – 8pm, Lees LibraryFree Event. To book a place at this event, contact the Literature Development Team on 0161 770 8016/8010.Unleash your creative side! Have you ever thought of using photographs as a way of inspiring the written word? Work with renowned photographer Liz Lock, she’ll help you to harness your photographic skills, whilst acclaimed poet George Chopping will support you in writing your very own stanza. Culminating in a piece of photogenic poetry, a piece of art with your verse etched upon it.

Tony Hawks – Lunchtime talk27 October, 1-2pm Oldham Library Performance SpaceTickets £2. To book a place at this event, contact Oldham Library on 0161 770 8000.Spend your lunchtime with comedian and bestselling author Tony Hawks. Tony is the author of the bestseller Round Ireland with a Fridge - the story of his absurd quest to hitch round the circumference of Ireland within a month... with a fridge. The book became a top 10 Sunday Times bestseller in 1998 and was serialized on BBC Radio 4.

Tall tales and an introduction to storytelling – Lunchtime talk24 November, 1-2pmOldham Library Performance SpaceFree event. No need to book, just call in on the day.In this session for parents, carers and childcare professionals, we invite professional storyteller Rogan Mills to talk about the ways stories promote the healthy development of children, providing you with some top tips for sharing quality time with your child through a book. He will also share some top children’s book choices with you – ones that make great stocking fillers at Christmas!

Robert Graham – A Man Walks into a Kitchen7 December, 7pm, Uppermill Library Tickets £2.00. To book a place at this event, contact Uppermill Library on 01457 872 777.Robert Graham talks about his latest book A Man Walks into a Kitchen. Set in the 1960s, Eddie Francey is a young comedian trying to get a break, but he has responsibilities: a wife and young son, however life is complicated and there’s an explosive passion for another woman. The last thing he needs is another woman…

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Chadderton LibraryJewellery making15 October, 1.30-2.30pmEnjoy this jewellery making demonstration and workshop.

Make-up, beauty and skincare10 October, 1-2pmEnjoy a make-up, beauty and skincare demo with a trained specialist.

Crompton LibraryEmergency DIY Q&A10 October, 2-3pmGot a DIY problem you need to fix? Let the expert answer your queries in this open surgery session.

Love food, hate waste11 October, 2-3pmEver wondered how to make use of those food scraps? Learn how to be more economical with your leftovers.

Failsworth Library Zumba (Community Space)13 October, 1.30-2.15pmGet active with Zumba! Zumba combines Latin and International music with a fun and effective workout system.

Digital photography: How to take and download pictures14 October, 11.30am-12.30pmAre you new to digital photography? Learn how to take pictures and download them on to a computer. You must bring your own digital camera!

Make-up, beauty and skincare12 October, 11am-12noonEnjoy a make-up, beauty and skincare demo with a trained specialist.

Fitton Hill LibraryChocolate treats10 October, 1-2pmYum, yum! A fun session making chocolate treats to take home.

Greenfield LibraryChocolate treats10 October, 3-4pm

Yum, yum! A fun session making chocolate treats to take home.

Lees LibraryMake-up, beauty and skincare11 October, 11am-12noonEnjoy a make-up, beauty and skincare demo with a trained specialist.

Emergency DIY Q&A12 October, 4-5pmGot a DIY problem you need to fix? Let the expert answer your queries in this open surgery session.

Limehurst LibraryHow to cook on a budget14 October, 10.30-11.30amBeat the economic blues with this budget cookery demo.

Northmoor LibraryTextile Decoration10 October, 3.30-4.30pmTry your hand at textile decoration in this fun session.

Oldham LibraryWhittling woodcraft (Express Library)12 October, 2-3pmExplore the art of wood whittling.

Zumba (Performance Space)12 October, 2-3pmGet active with Zumba! Zumba combines Latin and International music with a fun and effective workout system.

Yoga for beginners (Performance Space) 13 October, 11am-12noon Tap into the physical, spiritual, and mental benefits of yoga.

Royton LibraryHow to cook on a budget13 October, 2-3pmBeat the economic blues with this budget cookery demo.

Uppermill LibraryCup Cakes13 October, 11am-12noonExplore the art of cup cake decoration.

Lifting the lid on learningOldham libraries have teamed up with Lifelong Learning to deliver an Informal Learning Week, starting on the 10th October. Explore and enjoy a range of free taster sessions - from food and make-up demos to Zumba and woodcrafts. Places are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please contact the library venue to book and confirm a place.

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Health and wellbeing events Don’t be a cancer chancer20 September, 10 – 11am Oldham LibraryFree event. To book a place at this event, please contact Oldham Library on 0161 770 8036.

Don’t be a cancer chancer! Seeing your GP could save your life. A cancer champion from the NHS will be giving top tips to help you spot, discuss and treat cancer.

Is it hot in here or is it me? 17 October, 10 – 11.30amOldham LibraryFree event. To book a place at this event, please contact Oldham Library on 0161 770 8036.

Tony Mander, Consultant Gynaecologist and member of the British Menopause Society Advisory Council, will be giving a presentation about the menopause, which will include information about HRT and ideas for healthy eating.

Chair-based exercise7 November, 10 – 11.30am Failsworth LibraryFree event. To book a place at this event, please contact Failsworth Library on 0161 770 5820.

Michael Rattigan from OCLL will be running a chair-based exercise demonstration and talking about the benefits of exercise.

Beat the winter blues9 November, 10 – 11.30am Oldham LibraryFree event. To book a place at this event, please contact Oldham Library on 0161 770 8036.

A representative from Mind will be delivering a presentation full of top tips to help banish the winter blues.

Business bustingWomen in business21 October, 10am – 1pm Oldham LibraryFree event. To book a place at this event, please contact Oldham Library on 0161 770 8036.

Blue Orchid will be presenting this workshop for women in business. A free crèche is available for mothers with young children.

Business breakfast: Project management and marketing mastery7 September, 7am – 9am Oldham LibraryFree event. To book a place at this event, please contact Oldham Library on 0161 770 8036.

A business breakfast run by Oldham Progressive Enterprise Network and Oldham libraries. With guest speaker Alison Hornsby, an experienced and highly successful Project Manager and MD of the Enterprise Centre. This session will help you to get a competitive edge in the market place today.

HMRC: Newly self-employed13 October, 10am – 12.30pm Crompton Library 25 October, 10.30am – 1pm Lees Library Community Hub 11 November, 10am – 12.30pm Failsworth Library Free event. To book a place at this event, please contact the respective libraries using the telephone numbers on the back page. A free workshop run by HMRC that looks at the tax issues around becoming self-employed.

Employment and skills fair22 September, 10am – 3pmOldham LibraryThe Oldham Council Employment and Skills Fair will be taking place at Oldham Library this year. Meet employers and training organisations. We will hold a number of workshops on the day including CV writing, job seeking and interview techniques.

Let’s Celebrate…Eid Millan party and concert11 September, 12noon – 1.30pmOldham Library, Performance SpaceFree event. No need to book, just call in on the day. Join us to celebrate the end of Ramadan. The evening features a prize ceremony, Nasheed performance, and an interactive, fun quiz.

Diwali celebrations22 October, 1:30 – 3pm Oldham Library, Performance SpaceFree event. The programme will start with Diwali prayers and include: Indian dance, Diwali quiz, prize presentation and a quiz about the festival of Diwali for children aged 13 and under. Parshad (sanctified food) will be available at the end of the programme. No need to book, just call in on the day.

Remembrance Day Oldham Library12 November, from 10amJoin us to commemorate Remembrance Day. The Air Training Corps will be providing a recruitment post and a brass band performance, and there will be a display in the library, “Oldham War Memorial,” by Oldham Local Studies and Archives.

Chanukah in a Nutshell – Lunchtime talk15 December, 1-2pm Oldham Library, Performance SpaceFree event. No need to book, just call in on the day. Discover the triumph of light over darkness in the Jewish calendar.

Christmas with Oldham librariesCome and sing with us! Celebrate with carols and mince pies.

Chadderton, 17 December, 11am Crompton, 10 December, 11am Lees, 10 December, 11amFailsworth, 8 December, 11am Uppermill, 15 December, 11amRoyton, 3 December, 11am Oldham, 23 December, 2pm

www.oldham.gov.uk/libraries.htm for a full list of library opening hours.All events, dates times correct at time of going to press and are subject to change. Published August 2011.

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.

Volunteering opportunitiesOldham libraries offer a range of volunteering opportunities and roles for members of the public to engage in and enjoy. Why not join us on the 24th September on our recruitment day for a presentation and briefing in the Performance Space at Oldham Library. Briefings will take place at 10am and 2pm.

International Literacy DayTune in to Oldham Community Radio on 99.7 FM throughout the day for stories and poems to celebrate International Literacy Day on the 8th September. Pieces from local authors as well as well loved classics for all ages. Take five minutes out and enjoy a story with us.

Book a bag!Oldham libraries are proud to present their very first book bag! The new bag, featuring a funky lime green design, is made from recycled plastics and comes with a wide gusset for storing and carrying your weekly book choices or even your shopping! The bag is available from all libraries in the borough, and it retails at £2.95.

Conversation ClubDid you know that Oldham Library runs a Conversation Club for people wanting to improve their use and understanding of the English language? Our current programme continues through the autumn and takes place every Thursday morning, 10-11.30am. The next sessions will run from the 8th September to the 24th November.

Chadderton LibraryBurnley Street, Chadderton. OL9 0JW. 0161 770 5656

Crompton Library Farrow Street East, Shaw. OL2 8QY. 01706 842 184

Delph Book Lending ServiceMillgate, Delph. OL3 5JA. 01457 874 381

Failsworth LibraryOldham Road, Failsworth. M35 0FJ. 0161 770 5820

Fitton Hill Library Fir Tree Avenue, Fitton Hill. OL8 2QP. 0161 633 2011

Greenfield Library Chew Vale, Greenfield. OL3 7EQ. 01457 872 472

Lees Library Thomas Street, Lees. OL4 5DA. 0161 633 5764

Limehurst Library St. Chads Centre, Lime Green Parade, Limehurst. OL8 3HH. 0161 624 0351

Northmoor Library Chadderton Way, Oldham. OL9 6DH. 0161 633 1168

Oldham Library Cultural Quarter, Greaves Street. Oldham, OL1 1AL. 0161 770 8000

Royton Library Rochdale Road, Royton. OL2 6QJ. 0161 770 3087

Turf Lane Community Book ExchangeTurf Lane Lifelong Learning Centre, Turf Lane, Chadderton. OL9 8HP. 0161 682 6120

Uppermill Library St. Chad’s, High Street, Uppermill. OL3 6AP. 01457 872 777

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