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18.06.2019

On 19 June Sali Mali celebrates her 50th birthday and The National Library of Wales will be joining the celebrations with a number of activities.

To mark the occasion, the Library will join other organizations and light the building orange overnight.

It was with great pleasure that we recently welcomed Sali Mali to the Library and guided her around various areas of the building. Follow the progress of her visit on the National Library's social media channels on 19 June.

Since 28 May, visitors to the Library have been able to watch 13 episodes of Sali Mali's animation series on a large screen in the Peniarth area. These will be available to view until 20 June. Sali Mali was animated for the television series on S4C in 2000 (Siriol / Calon) with the voice of Rhys Ifans and the singing voice of Cerys Matthews to the theme tune of the program, composed by Chris Stuart. The Library was able to display the clips due to the kindness of S4C, Cwmni Sain and Cymdeithas Lyfrau Ceredigion.

In addition, a Sali Mali Story Session and Party will be held in Caffi Pendinas, The National Library of Wales at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, 19 June.

ENDS

Sali Mali’s Story – So Far
Sali Mali first appeared in 1969 in a book published by Cymdeithas Lyfrau Ceredigion. The Publishing house was later bought by GOMER.  The character was created by Mary Vaughan Jones and Sali Mali has since appeared in tens of books, on screen, and in songs.  But above all perhaps, she’s been a friend to thousands of Welsh children, and helped them learn to read.

Born in the Llanrwst area of North Wales in 1918 Mary Vaughan Jones was a talented school teacher and college lecturer.  She made an enormous contribution to children’s literature in Wales, publishing some forty books. Sali Mali is her most famous creation.

Mary Vaughan Jones passed away in 1983 but other authors have since been inspired to write colourful tales featuring Sali Mali and her friends, including Dylan Williams and Ifana Savill.
Rowena Wyn Jones created the original artwork for the first Sali Mali book and over the years her image has changed a little.  A variety of artists have illustrated the character – including Jac Jones, Gary Evans, Emma Pelling, Catrin Meirion and Simon Bradbury.

Jac Do is Sali Mali’s pet – a cheeky character who is rather nosy!  Other friends include Jac y Jwc, Jaci Soch, Y Pry Bach Tew and Dwmplen Malwoden.

Sali Mali appeared on television for the first time in 1994, in S4C’s series, Caffi Sali Mali (Sianco). The series was written by Ifana Savill.  The actress Rebecca Harries played the role of Sali Mali.

Sali Mali had her own animated series on S4C in 2000 (Siriol/Calon), with Rhys Ifans providing the narration and Cerys Matthews singing the theme tune which was composed by Chris Stuart.  The series was sold to over 15 different countries.  

More Information

Elen Haf Jones
post@llgc.org.uk    or
01970 632 534