Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru

I like the National Library of Wales' (NLW) building very much from an architectural point of view. It is beautiful.


There is a very good collection of books, maps and manuscripts in Wales! Ffantastig! It is a legal deposit library. Every published book in Great Britain is very well preserved here (over 4 million printed volumes; Wales and Celtic collecting policy).


There is a conservation department for old manuscripts for example. NLW has one Chaucer manuscript which I as a medieval scholar (Middle English) from the "Georgia Augusta" find very fascinating!
Also you can order photographs from books in a photographic studio in the building.


You cannot borrow any books unfortunately but there are two reading rooms where you can study. The opening times I personally find much too short for serious research. Reading rooms open at half past nine and close at six. Why can one not borrow the books, I wonder? THE USE OF THE LIBRARY IS FREE. This is very good. All you need is a library card. Photocopying is available. This is also good.
Very useful links:


http://wbo.llgc.org.uk/en/index.html?id=800 (Online Welsh Biography)


http://www.llgc.org.uk/index.php?id=126 (Manuscripts)


http://digidol.llgc.org.uk/METS/XBC00001/ardd?locale=en (started translating this into German four years ago but nobody did anything with my info - very disappointing; no interest I assume)


I worked here for a project called ANW. My collegues Seri, Rhys and Richard are still in touch. Some members of staff in the library were very nice. Martin Lockock worked very hard for this project.


A new Royal Charter for NLW was granted in 2006.


There are numerous paintings stored in the library. Many of these should be exhibited. Real treasures not many people know about.


A friend's (Delwyn) father was Deputy Librarian here many years ago so I have been familiar with the library for a long time. My friend used to tell me a lot about it with fond memories. This is in the past and much has changed since then.


The location can be remote if you are without a car. On the other hand, the view is stunning!


Pen Dinas - the restaurant I cannot recommend. Too expensive for what it is, always the same choice and sandwiches in plastic boxes. On Saturdays the food is cold. My friend drove all the way from Cardiff for the "Friends of the Library Event" in 2008, looking forward to a good lunchtime meal. I have experienced the same four years ago and nothing has changed. I think one must not blame the staff. It is bad management! If you tell people (and mean well!!) who are responsible about any problems there they get angry about this criticism and do not talk to you ever again.


There is a shop where you can buy books and Welsh souvenirs.


There are exhibitions in the NLW which are very good usually. It is worth checking if you intend a visit.