Young voices fill the National Library on Takeover Day

25.11.2025

Visitors to the National Library of Wales had a very different experience than expected on Friday 21 November. Instead of being greeted by the usual staff, they were greeted by the faces of the young pupils of Ysgol Dyffryn Trannon, Trefeglwys near Caersws, as they joined the Library for the Kids in Museums Takeover Day.

During a day when excited young voices could be heard all over the building, the pupils had a unique opportunity to work in public areas and behind the scenes. 

Various tasks were arranged to give a taste of work at the Library. This included taking over the Reading Room desk, fetching books for researchers, producing the Library's social media videos, and curating with the exhibitions team.

The children also received new items for the collection, assisted with the care of materials in the preventive conservation unit, digitised items from the collections and kept the building safe with the security team.

Dyfan Graves, Education Officer at the National Library of Wales, said:
“It was a great pleasure for us to welcome Year 5 and 6 pupils from Ysgol Dyffryn Trannon to 'take over' this year. The children had the opportunity to experience a variety of roles across the Library – from serving customers and readers, to caring for some of the nation's greatest treasures. Takeover Day is a great opportunity for us to offer the pupils an unforgettable experience, and give them a unique insight into the work of one of Wales' most important institutions. We hope that the experience will stay with them for a long time and inspire them to be enthusiastic learners.”

Mrs Caroline Harries, headteacher of Ysgol Dyffryn Trannon, added:
“We are excited that pupils from Ysgol Dyffryn Trannon have had the opportunity to explore the amazing work that goes on behind the scenes at the National Library! It's a real-life experience that brings learning to life. As the children see how history, technology and culture intertwine in a work environment, it helps them understand the purpose and possibilities of future careers. It's a purposeful, inspiring and unforgettable experience.”

The day is organised by the Library's Education Service as part of a wider Takeover Day scheme organised across Britain by the Kids in Museums charity. During this special day, children and young people have the opportunity to occupy museums, galleries, historic homes, archives and heritage sites by taking responsibility for the various duties that adults would normally undertake.

**This press release is also available in Welsh**
--ENDS--
Further Information:
Nia Wyn Dafydd
nia.dafydd@library.wales

Additional Notes to Editors

Takeover Day
Takeover Day began in 2010 and since then over 40,000 children have taken part nationwide and have had a unique chance to learn outside the classroom, develop new skills and discover what it’s like to work at a museum. For more information visit their webpage.

The National Library of Wales Education Service
The National Library of Wales Education Service was established in 2002. The main work is:

• To deliver a programme of educational activities and provisions that align with the requirements of Curriculum for Wales.
• To increase awareness among children and young people of the history, culture and heritage of Wales.
• To facilitate access to information for learners and educators and assist them in making the most of our collections by interpreting information in the national collection.
• To increase the Library's presence, and awareness of the institution and its work, in various parts of Wales.
• To assist the Library in delivering the strategic aims set out in Connecting Wales and the World, the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan.
• To produce high quality digital learning resources to be published on Hwb, the digital platform for learning and teaching in Wales.
• Since 2007 The National Library of Wales Education Service has been taking the Library’s collections to schools and communities throughout Wales as part of its outreach programme. These outreach projects are developed in partnership with local authorities, schools and other organisations and individually tailored to meet the needs of those users, as well as assisting them to deliver the required skills and experiences of Curriculum for Wales.