LIBRARY services are set to receive a boost after the council was awarded new government funding.

The funds will create three "Libraries of Sanctuary" at Oldham, Chadderton and Northmoor libraries, with £47,000 from the Home Office's Control Migration Fund (CMF).

Free courses, classes and activities will be developed, including English conversation classes and cultural activities.

Monthly community activities will also be on offer alongside a wealth of volunteering opportunities to increase volunteering at libraries and in their local area.

Some of the courses that have already been offered at libraries include dual language story walks, zine making workshops and a ‘Jo Cox Get Together’ event.

This programme of activities aims to help improve community cohesion, tackle the key challenges of loneliness and foster better community relations within Oldham.

Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Sean Fielding, said: “Oldham is a diverse town with many different communities, and we have a proud history of welcoming migrants, refugees and alyssum seekers from different countries.

“We hope that other libraries across Greater Manchester and the UK will recognise that projects like these are vital to enabling people to be accepted in and contribute to their town.

“There’s always something to do in Oldham, whether that’s volunteering or just attending the many local events in the area. This project will hopefully enable people to get involved with their community and feel like they’re part of something bigger.”

Residents can find out what is on at their local library by signing up to their monthly ‘Love Libraries’ email. To sign up, visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/libraries.