"2007 is without doubt a very important year in the illustrious history of The National Library of Wales.
2007 is the year in which it celebrates its centenary. It offers a great opportunity to look back over a century of valuable service, and also look forward into the next century and beyond.
The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth is considered to be one of the world's greatest libraries, and its international reputation is certainly something that all Welsh men and women are intensely be proud of.
The Library is considered to be the premier source for Welsh genealogical research, and a warm welcome is extended to all visitors from around the World to take advantage of its unparalleled research facilities.
A wide range of celebratory activities have been arranged for the year. Among these events is the main centenary exhibition In This Place/ Yn Y Lle Hwn, which will feature some of Wales' most iconic items.
These include The Black Book of Carmarthen (c. 1250), The White Book of Rhydderch (c. 1325), Bishop William Morgan's Bible 1588, together with an array of pictures, photographs and paintings by artists such as Kyffin Williams, JMW Turner, and David Jones to mention but a few.
The Library is also producing three volumes illustrating the history of Wales through the Library's collections. In This Place / Yn Y Lle Hwn are lavish 200 page volumes fully illustrated in colour and authored by Trevor Fishlock and Mererid Hopwood.
In addition a history of the development of the Library's architecture is compiled by Dr. Rhidian Griffiths, Director of Public Services at The National Library of Wales.
Weekly guided tours of the Library are conducted for visitors each Monday morning at 11.00, and private group tours can be arranged as required. For further information please contact Angharad Jones on+44(0) 1970 632801 or e-mail at amj@llgc.org.uk
The Library's website provides a comprehensive guide to our archives and holdings, and contains valuable information concerning our opening hours, visitors facilities, etc.
In addition it also provides an opportunity for you to see some of the Library's most treasured items on our Digital Mirror. These include the original manuscript 'Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau' / Land of My Fathers, 1856, and the first book ever printed in Welsh 'Yny lhyvyr hwnn' 1546.
It is hoped that you will visit The National Library of Wales during our year of very special celebrations, and that you will have the opportunity to share and experience your heritage.
Article written by Cyril Evans, centenary events co-ordinator
your comments
Christopher Cowam, Cheltenham
As a former student of the University of Aberystwyth I cannot reccomend the NLW highly enough. It was an invaluable resource for essays, particularly my disseration and provided me with insights and evidence which would have been otherwise unobtainable. On top of this the staff were invariably friendly, efficient and helpful. It is a fantastic place and fully deserves its reputation for academic excellence. Welsh men and women are justifiably proud of this amazing resource.
Fri Sep 5 13:56:54 2008
Sabria Walters, Swansea
Visited the Library during the centenary and have visited several times since. Its a fascinating place, and I would recommend it to everyone. have always experience friendly us service. Obviously the other comments haven't been to the British Library. Its so easy to criticise!! Natonal Library of Wales'a great place- pop in to enjoy it treasures'
Mon Feb 25 07:58:40 2008
Margery Hallesey from Pontypridd
I am quite saddened that throughout the 100 year celebration, not much was mentioned about Stuart Rendel. It was he who bought the two pieces of land on which the library was built, the smaller to allow an appropriate entrance to the site. I trust that this will now be rectified.
Wed Jan 2 09:35:14 2008
Ina, Latvia
The staff of NLW is unfriendly.
Thu Jun 21 16:44:28 2007
Brian Jenkins, Safety Bay, Western Australia
There may be other large national libraries but I have never experienced another such as the NLW where the needs and convenience of readers and other visitors are accorded the highest priority, and services are delivered in a courteous and friendly spirit. It is true that one would desire longer reading-room opening hours. However it is easy to appreciate that the Library's important security requirements are very costly and have to be balanced against reader demands.
Tue May 29 13:07:21 2007
J Sutton, Aberystwyth
Unfortunately, I couldn't visit the National Library on the 100th Anniversary (19th March 2007) but I was disappointed not to see any form of 'advertisement' at the entrance.
The Library 'information board' (on the corner of the access road from Penglais) is partially obliterated by bushes and difficult for visitors to see.
Mon Mar 26 09:04:37 2007
Annette Strauch, Machynlleth and Germany
The opening times of the Library are too short, also the bistro should be open longer until the researchers finish reading. They would enjoy a drink or food before they go home again. The staff on the phone and receptionists could be more friendly. I have always found the porters very, very helpful!
Wed Mar 21 11:22:21 2007
Annette Strauch, Machynlleth and Germany
Good luck with the centenery celebrations! Yes, the facilities in NLW are good but there are many similiar libraries in the world. The Library should have one major event to celebrate its 100th birthday instead of too many small celebrations in my view and they should be really outgoing.
Mon Mar 19 11:53:06 2007
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