National Library of Wales
Museum National library and archive located in Wales
Set in Aberystwyth, the National Library of Wales holds Welsh manuscripts, maps and archives; researchers and visitors come for exhibitions, special collections and the library’s seaside setting.
The National Library of Wales is the principal national library for Wales, located in the town of Aberystwyth. It holds the national collections of manuscripts, printed works, maps and photographic archives relevant to Welsh and Celtic studies.
The library provides reading rooms, catalogues and exhibition spaces for scholars and the public, and it preserves rare and unique materials in its special collections. It functions as a centre for research into the history, language and culture of Wales.
Over time the institution has developed modern archival facilities and public exhibition areas to make Welsh heritage accessible while maintaining conservation programmes for vulnerable items. The library participates in national and international bibliographic and digitization projects.
The building sits on Penglais Hill above Aberystwyth on the west coast of Wales and overlooks Cardigan Bay; it is a short distance from the town centre.
- Legal deposit library: Serves as the national legal deposit library for Wales, holding major collections of manuscripts, maps, photographs and Welsh-language material.
How to Get to National Library of Wales #
Aberystwyth is served by regular buses from major Welsh towns and a local train service to the town station. The library is a short walk uphill from Aberystwyth town centre (Penglais Road area). Parking is available on-site and nearby; check local signage for visitor spaces.
Tips for Visiting National Library of Wales #
- Register for a reader's card in advance if planning to consult archival material; bring photo ID.
- Allow time to walk the campus - the library complex has both reading rooms and small exhibitions scattered across the building.
- Check the library's catalogue online before visiting if seeking specific manuscripts or printed material.
Best Time to Visit National Library of Wales #
Indoor collections make the library visitable year-round; late spring through early autumn is best for combining the visit with coastal walks.
Weather & Climate near National Library of Wales #
National Library of Wales's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1027 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (118 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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