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National Library of Wales

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About

The National Library of Wales (Welsh: Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru), Aberystwyth, is the national legal deposit library of Wales and is one of the Welsh Government sponsored bodies. It is the biggest library in Wales, holding over 6.5 million books and periodicals, and the largest collections of archives, portraits, maps and photographic images in Wales.

The Library is also home to the national collection of Welsh manuscripts, the National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales, and the most comprehensive collection of paintings and topographical prints in Wales.As the primary research library and archive in Wales[ and one of the largest research libraries in the United Kingdom, the National Library is a member of Research Libraries UK (RLUK)] and the Consortium of European Research Libraries (CERL)

At the very core of the National Library of Wales is the mission to collect and preserve materials related to Wales and Welsh life and those which can be utilised by the people of Wales for study and research. Welsh is the Library's main medium of communication but it does, however, aim to deliver all public services in Welsh and English. In January 2015 the Library in partnership with Wikimedia UK appointed a full-time Wikipedian in Residence with the aim of developing further its resources on an open license, to a world-wide audience.

Free exhibitions are held throughout the year in the exhibition galleries.

PEN DINAS CAFE
Pen Dinas Cafe is situated on the ground floor at the south-west corner of the library. The cafe offers a wide selection of light meals, sandwiches, paninis, salads, drinks and sweets, as well as hot meals and vegetarian dishes - Open Monday to Saturday.

GUIDED TOURS
An opportunity to have a tour of the building and see some notable treasures - weekly guided tours; pre-booking essential to avoid disappointment. Group tours also welcome with pre-booking.

MEETINGS, EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS
The National Library of Wales offers a wide range of services to suit your conference and meeting requirements and you can hire technical equipment from the Library.

WEDDINGS & SPECIAL OCCASIONS
the National Library of Wales is a spectacular wedding venue in one of Wales' most iconic buildings and offers a spectacular backdrop to one of the most important days of your life.

The Council Chamber can accommodate up to 100 guests and can be laid out in two different styles depending on your choice. The President’s Room is ideal for a more intimate ceremony and can accommodate up to 30 guests.

Historic Site

The National Library of Wales (Welsh: Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru), Aberystwyth, is the national legal deposit library of Wales and is one of the Welsh Government sponsored bodies. It is the biggest library in Wales, holding over 6.5 milli

The 03 Bus service runs every 30 mins during term time and every hour non-term time starting at the town's bus station and travelling up Penglais Hill to the Library.

Car parking charges redeemable at the Library shop and in the Pendinas Restaurant.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Free admission to all exhibitions.

Facilities

Other

  • Electric car charging point

Accessibility

  • Disabled access
  • Disabled toilets
  • Facilities for hearing impaired
  • Wheelchairs available

Booking & Payment Details

  • Credit cards accepted (no fee)

Catering

  • On-site catering
  • On-site light refreshments

Children

  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children welcome

Groups

  • Education/study area
  • Facilities for educational visits
  • Facilities for groups

Languages

  • French signs/guides
  • German signs/guides

Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities

  • Facilities for conferencing
  • Facilities for corporate hospitality

Parking

  • EV Charging - 40 charging points.
  • Parking with charge

Property Facilities

  • Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
  • Gift shop
  • Postbox
  • Public toilets
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Telephone (public)

Site Features

  • Regional Tourist Board Member

Target Markets

  • Accepts groups
  • Coach parties accepted

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Situated on Penglais Hill (A487). Free parking evening and weekends.

Aberystwyth train station is located 1 mile away with local transport linking the train station and campus as well as longer distances.

www.traveline-cymru.info

Parking Information:
Cars / Motorcycles £1 up to 4 Hrs / £2 over 4 Hrs
Vehicles towing trailer /caravan £2.50 up to 4 Hrs / £5 over 4 Hrs
Bus & Mini Bus Free please pre-book via 01970 632484
Disabled Badge Holders exempt
Tickets can be refunded against one purchase in Library's Cafe or Shop
Free Parking on Saturdays

Accessible by Public Transport: Aberystwyth station is 1 mile away.

National Library of Wales

Type:Museum

National Library of Wales, Rhiw Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3BU

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Call direct on:

Tel01970 632801

Opening Times

* Reading Rooms Mon - Fri 9:30 to 18:00 Saturday 9:30 - 17:00
National Screen & Sound Archives of Wales/Collection Viewing Room
Mon - Fri 10:00am - 17:00 Saturday 9:30 - 16:30
Closed on Sunday

Awards

  • Visit WalesVisit Wales VAQAS Visit Wales VAQAS 2016
  • Regional and MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2022
  • Visit WalesVisit Wales Gold Attraction Visit Wales Gold Attraction 2021

Related

National Library of WalesNational Library of Wales | Weddings, AberystwythThe National Library of Wales - A spectacular wedding venue in one of Wales' most iconic buildings that stands proudly above the the coastal town of Aberystwyth, Mid Wales. 

National Library of WalesNational Library of Wales | Conferences, AberystwythThe National Library of Wales is one of the world's great libraries. It is a legal deposit library, and holds the world's largest collection of works about Wales and other Celtic nations.The glorious building offers a spectacular backdrop to for your business event, exhibition or meeting.

National Library | Pen Dinas CafeNational Library | Caffi Pen Dinas, AberystwythSituated on the ground floor of the National Library, Abersywyth, Pen Dinas Cafe offers a wide selection of sandwiches, paninis, salads, drinks and desserts, as well as hot meals, vegetarian dishes and home-made cakes. Open Monday to Saturday

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