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12 reasons to visit The National Library of Wales this Easter

  1. The Library is home to the Gregynog Gallery – the largest art gallery in Wales - and has held exhibitions by some of Wales’ most prominent artists, such as Shani Rhys James.  The gallery will host a touring exhibition from Amgueddfa Genedlaethol Cymru – National Museum Wales until 28 May 2016: ‘Efforts and Ideals: Prints of the First World War’ which includes contributions from well-known British artists such as Augustus John, Frank Brangwyn, William Rothenstein and C. R.W. Nevinson.
  2. This Grade II listed building and gardens, is truly a glorious site with stunning views over Cardigan Bay.  The Library is the national legal deposit library of Wales, holding 6.5 million books and periodicals, archives, portraits, paintings, topographical prints, manuscripts, maps and photographic images.    With over 30,000 rare manuscripts; the Peniarth Manuscripts Collection (in July 2010) was included on the UNESCO UK Memory of the World Register; giving the collection global recognition.
  3. Listen to the sounds of Wales at The National Library of Wales. The National Library of Wales is home to the National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales.  Listen to the music of Wales and watch classic Welsh children’s films and cartoons in the Drwm auditorium.
  4. A programme of events is published four times a year featuring information about the Library’s exhibitions, talks and presentations, and general visitor information.  Find out more about ‘Hunting Glyndŵr’ with Mike Parker (13 April) or enjoy ‘An evening of Antiques and Anecdotes’ with BBC’s Antiques Roadshow specialist; Marc Allum (29 April).  Most of the events are ticketed and these can be obtained online or by telephone (details below).
  5. Celebrate Roald Dahls’s centenary in the National Library of Wales. Celebrate the centenary of one of Wales’ best loved writers, Roald Dahl. For the younger audience we will stage a show on Friday, 1 April aimed at children between the ages of 7 – 11:  Roald Dahl – The Big Friendly Author.  A one man show which will offer a chance to be part of Roald Dahl’s scrumdiddlyumptious world as one of his greatest fans introduces some of his most colourful characters.  There will be two performances: one in Welsh at 10:00am and the other in English at 2:00pm.  Admission by ticket at £5 per head to include drink and a cake.
  6. Get Creative. In order to mark the Arts Council of Wales Get Creative weekend, the Library has organised a lino print art workshop with Elin Vaughan Crowley; a print and textile artist from Bro Ddyfi, Mid Wales.  The workshop will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, 2 April, 1:30 – 4:30pm at a cost of £8.00 per head and is suitable for 9 – 12 year olds.  Tickets available from Library shop – limited availability.
  7. Come on an adventure in The National Library of Wales. Come on an adventure around the Library’s exhibitions with the help of our brand new activity book, full of exciting activities, games and puzzles.  Collect your free copy at reception. How about creating your own adventure in Hafan, our space for families and children?  Create your own comic strip, write an adventure story and be creative with activities based on adventure on land, in the sky, under the sea and in space. Explore ‘Adventure is just a page away’ (3 March – February 2017), an exhibition looking at adventure in Welsh and Anglo-Welsh literature.  Bring back happy memories of childhood and encourage children to go on their own adventure.
  8. Calling all Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, past and present. ‘Girlguiding Cymru: Pushing the Boundaries’ (23 April – 3 September) traces the history of Girlguiding Cymru from its establishment in 1910 to the present day.   Look at how guiding has pushed the boundaries and impacted on the lives of girls over the years.
  9. Discover the heart of Welsh culture. Uncover the treasures of Wales in a new exhibition in our Peniarth gallery.  See the Black Book of Carmarthen, the earliest surviving manuscript written solely in Welsh. Wales is a land of song.  Find out the story behind the National Anthem of Wales and learn to sing it too!  Meet Mam Cymru, the mother of Wales, Katheryn of Berain, and find out more about your own family’s history.
  10. Eat Welsh cakes and bara brith in Caffi Pendinas at The National Library of Wales. Sample local Welsh home-cooked food in the restaurant including cawl, Welsh cakes and bara brith.  If the sun’s shining, pick up some sandwiches and have a picnic in the landscaped grounds of the Library.  
  11. Go on a tour ‘Behind the Scenes’. Go ‘Behind the Scenes’ with a free guided tour of the Library, suitable for all ages.  Every Monday at 11.00am and Wednesday at 2.15pm.  Book online or by call the Library shop.
  12. Indulge in a little retail therapy. The shop stocks quality, bespoke gifts, many by local artists, others of national acclaim such as Mari Thomas, who has won numerous design awards.  Lizzie Spikes and Valeriané Leblond’s work feature regularly on the shop’s shelves showcasing work which demonstrates their love for their local Ceredigion landscape and its charm.  

The site has ample car parking facilities and is a ten minute walk from the town centre or alternatively the ’03 bus follows a circular route from the town centre, calling at the National Library and the Aberystwyth University campus.

Make The National Library of Wales one of your destinations during 2016’s Year of Adventure.

General information:
Opening Hours
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday 9:30am - 5:00pm

Exhibitions
Monday - Saturday 9:30am - 5:00pm

The National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales
Monday - Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm

Caffi Pen Dinas
Monday - Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm

The Library Shop
Monday - Saturday  9:30am - 5:00pm

Easter Holiday Arrangements 2016

  • 25 March – Good Friday – closed
  • 26 March – Easter Saturday – the exhibitions and the shop will be open between 9.30 and 5.00 o’clock with Caffi Pen Dinas open between 10.00 and 4.00 o'clock but the Reading Rooms will be closed
  • 27 March – Easter Sunday – closed
  • 28 March – Easter Monday – the same arrangements as Easter Saturday