National Library of Wales
The national library of Wales above Aberystwyth, with free exhibitions of treasures, broadcasting history and peace, plus a café, shop and play area.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth looks out over Cardigan Bay. The idea of a national library for Wales was discussed from the eighteenth century, and from 1873 a committee collected Welsh material and kept it at University College Aberystwyth. In 1905 the government committed funds, and Aberystwyth was chosen as the site, partly because the college already held a collection and the physician and book collector Sir John Williams offered his own collection if the library were based there.
The Library and the National Museum were both founded by royal charter on 19 March 1907. Building work on Penglais Hill began in 1911 and the Library was first occupied in 1916. A large storage building was added in 1996 and a new front section was designed to be more open and welcoming. A new royal charter was granted in 2006.
As a legal deposit library, it is entitled to a copy of every publication printed in Britain and Ireland. Its collections include about eight million books and periodicals, a million and a half maps, a million photographs, tens of thousands of manuscripts and works of art, and large archives of film, video and sound. Visitors can see free exhibitions drawn from these collections and use the café, shop and children's area, while the Reading Room is open to registered readers.
Highlights
- Treasures display of rare and iconic items from the collections
- On Air: A Century of Broadcasting in Wales, with highlights from the Wales Broadcast Archive
- Peacemakers, a space about the peacemakers of Wales
- Views over Cardigan Bay from Caffi Pen Dinas
- Children's play area in the World of the Book
Permanent exhibitions
- Treasures – A permanent display of rare, old, beautiful and iconic items from the Library's collections, shown in the Hengwrt gallery.
- On Air: A Century of Broadcasting in Wales – Highlights from the Wales Broadcast Archive that trace a hundred years of radio and television in Wales.
- Peacemakers – A space on the lower ground floor devoted to the peacemakers of Wales, past and present.
- Founded
- 1907
- Operated by
- National Library of Wales
- Director
- Rhodri Llwyd Morgan
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry to the building and the exhibitions is free. The Reading Room is open to registered readers; anyone over 16 can register for a free reader's ticket with two forms of identification, one showing a current address.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The main entrance is on the ground floor with a ramp and automatic doors, and two lifts serve all public areas. Three wheelchairs can be borrowed at the main entrance (calling ahead is recommended on 01970 632 906). Accessible toilets are on the ground floor and the main floor. Enquiry desks and counters have induction loops, and the Drwm auditorium has an infrared system and a wide door. Four designated disabled bays are in the car park beside the building. Large print leaflets, large-text caption folders and audio leaflets are available. Assistance dogs are welcome in the Library and in the Drwm, with water at the main entrance.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
A play area for children aged 3 to 7 is in the World of the Book on the ground floor, and baby changing facilities are available. The café is easy to use with a pram.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Aberystwyth railway and bus station · 15-min walk
Aberystwyth railway station is in the town centre, with the bus station and taxi rank next to it; trains from Shrewsbury run every two hours. The Library is about a 15-minute walk from the station, including a steep climb up Penglais Hill. Timetables are available from Traveline Cymru.
By car
Free parking
There is a free car park beside the building for visitors and readers, with four disabled bays and electric vehicle chargers (10 rapid and 30 slower chargers, paid for by terminal or app). Buses and minibuses must arrange their bays in advance with the Porters (01970 632 848).
- Accessible parking
The Library stands at the end of a 400-metre drive overlooking Aberystwyth; satnav systems may confuse the postcode with Llanbadarn Road, which runs below it.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
- Lockers
Caffi Pen Dinas on the ground floor has views of Cardigan Bay and is easy to reach with a pushchair. The shop near reception sells books, gifts and goods based on the collections. Lockers for coats and bags need a £1 coin; coats and bags are not allowed in the Reading Room.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
Weddings and conference facilities are offered.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The Library runs a programme of free exhibitions and events based on its collections. No formal guided tours are listed. |
