The National Library of Wales
The National Library of Wales is a legal deposit library in Aberystwyth, Wales. It is the largest library in Wales and one of the largest libraries in the United Kingdom. The library was established by Royal Charter on 19 March 1907, and its collections now include over 8 million items, including books, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, and photographs.
History of the library
The history of the National Library of Wales can be traced back to the 18th century, when there was a growing interest in Welsh culture and history. In 1757, the Society of Cymmrodorion was founded in London with the aim of promoting Welsh language and culture. The society established a library, which eventually became the core collection of the National Library of Wales.
In the 19th century, there was a renewed interest in Welsh culture and history, and this led to the establishment of a number of Welsh libraries. In 1873, a committee was set up to collect Welsh material and house it at University College, Aberystwyth. This collection eventually became the nucleus of the National Library of Wales.
In 1905, the British government announced that it would provide funding for the establishment of a National Library of Wales. The library was officially opened on 1 January 1909, and its first home was a rented building in Aberystwyth. In 1916, the library moved into its current building, which was designed by Sir John Douglas.
The National Library of Wales has continued to grow and develop over the years. In 1911, it was granted the status of a legal deposit library, which means that it is entitled to receive a copy of every book published in the United Kingdom. The library has also expanded its collections to include a wide range of other materials, such as manuscripts, maps, newspapers, and photographs.
The library today
Today, the National Library of Wales is a major research library for Welsh history and culture. It is also a popular tourist destination, with over 200,000 visitors each year. The library is committed to providing access to its collections for everyone, and it offers a range of services, including online access to its catalogues, research facilities, and exhibitions.
Here are some of the notable collections of the National Library of Wales:
- The Hengwrt Manuscripts: This collection of over 300 Welsh manuscripts is one of the most important in the world. It includes the oldest copy of the Mabinogion, a collection of Welsh tales.
- The National Library of Wales Photographic Archive: This archive contains over 5 million photographs, which document the history and culture of Wales from the 19th century to the present day.
- The National Library of Wales Sound Archive: This archive contains over 100,000 recordings, including music, oral history, and spoken word.
- The National Library of Wales Newspapers Archive: This archive contains over 100,000 Welsh newspapers, dating back to the 17th century.
The National Library of Wales is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Welsh history and culture. It is a place where people can come to learn about the past, explore the present, and imagine the future.