Early Years
There’s always something to do at Gallery Oldham and Oldham Libraries, even for our youngest visitors. Join our award nominated programmes and take part in our playful sessions! We welcome visitors from day zero and we can’t wait to have you join us. It’s free to become a member of the library you can do it in person or online.
Check our social media for updates, timetables, and sessions:
@oldhamlibraries @galleryoldham @Oldhamlibraryservice
Regular Activities
Unless stated otherwise, sessions are free and there’s no need to book, just drop in and play. All sessions, other than Bounce and Rhyme, are run on a term-time-only basis.
Baby Days
Oldham Central library, 10.30am – 12noon, third Wednesday of each month
Baby Days is our monthly special sensory play sessions for under 2’s. Visit the library and find your new favourite stories and characters. As well as lots of toys to play with we also have our sensory room open for you to explore as part of the session.
Bounce and Rhyme
Perfect for 0 – 4’s explore songs, rhymes, stories and sensory play in our Bounce and Rhyme sessions.
Discover the wonders of your local library and meet other families.
Each class runs for 20 minutes every week, with a member of staff, followed by free play time to find new favourite books!
Oldham Central library – Friday 10am
Lees – Monday 10am and Wednesday 2pm
Crompton – Tuesday 1pm and Thursday 10am
Chadderton – Tuesday 1.30pm
Delph – Friday 10.30am
Royton – Tuesday 10am (at Trinity Methodist Church, Radcliffe Street)
Uppermill – Tuesday 10am and Thursday 2pm
Greenfield – Friday 10am
Failsworth – Wednesday 1.30pm
Fitton Hill – Friday 10am
GO Baby!
Gallery Oldham, 10.30am – 12noon, second and fourth Thursday of each month, term time only. Free and drop-in, no need to book.
Inspired by the galleries extensive art, natural history and social history collections explore the world through your little ones eyes. With our youngest attendee being just eight days old, these sensory play sessions are perfect for little visitors to play.
We follow a Montessori and heuristic play based approach, which means we create lots of areas for your little ones to play and explore together.
GO Explorers
Gallery Oldham, First Saturday of each month, 10.30am – 12noon, £4 per toddler, drop in, pay on the door.
Our toddler special sessions are perfect for 2 – 4 year-olds. Each session we explore a different theme including messy, sensory, and creative play in a fun and safe environment.
Please dress for mess.
Little Reads
Oldham Central library, 10 – 10.30am, last Friday of each month. Free, drop-in, no need to book.
Little Reads is a fun, interactive workshop using dance, songs and storytelling to explore children’s picture books. Join this monthly session brought to Oldham by Manchester Literature Festival.
Most suitable for children under five but all family members are welcome.
Bedtime Stories
Oldham Central Library, 5.30 – 6.30pm, Tuesday 2nd April, Tues 7th May, Tues 4th June, Tues 9th July, Tues 6th August, Tues 3rd September, Tues 8th October, Free, bookable via Eventbrite
Pop on your cosiest PJ’s and bring your teddy along, to these wonderful bedtime story sessions. With warm milk and toast available half-way through, stories and rhymes to help you soothe your little ones to sleep. These are the perfect bedtime stories sessions for under fives and their families.
50 Things To Do
If you’ve ever been stuck with what to do with your little one, then look no further. You can download the 50 things app or pick up a physical copy at our branch libraries.
Filled with tips and ideas for you and your little ones, the 50 things app is perfect to help you explore the early years, to develop skills, language and the resilience needed for school and beyond.
The Extra Small Cinema
We’re bringing the magic of the cinema to our youngest visitors; The Extra Small Cinema is our sensory film session for under fives and their families. With sensory play materials, a simple craft, comfortable lighting and dimmed volume. Find out more here.
Sensory Room
Oldham Library’s Sensory Room is equipped with digital sensory technology to provide a relaxing or exciting environment for babies and young children. Find out more here.
Parental Support
We work with a variety of organisations and practitioners to support you and your little ones at all stages of your journey.
Sessions are free and drop-in.
Perinatal Mental Health Support with Homestart
Parental mental health is so important for you and your little one.
So if you’re struggling or just want a friendly, safe and relaxing space to be around others then this group is for you.
Promoted by HomeStart Oldham. It’s free to attend, there’s no need to book, just drop in.
Wednesday’s, 10 – 11.30am, term time only.