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.
National Library of Wales at a Glance#
Address: Penglais, Aberystwyth SY23 3BU, Wales, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.library.wales/
Hours: Mon-Sat (typical reading room hours vary; check website for special closures and opening times)
Admission: Free to enter the reading rooms; some exhibitions or services may require registration or fees (check website)
About National Library of Wales#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 3° - 8° | 1° | 99 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.1h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 72 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.7h |
| March | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 3° | 82 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 5° | 58 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.5 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 7° - 15° | 11° | 55 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.5h |
| June | Good | 10° - 17° | 14° | 71 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 4.2 m/s | 1.5 high | 16.5h |
| July | Good | 12° - 19° | 16° | 71 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.0h |
| August | Good | 12° - 19° | 16° | 87 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.5h |
| September | Good | 10° - 17° | 14° | 90 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.5 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 8° - 14° | 11° | 112 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | 5° - 11° | 5° | 118 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.6h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 9° | 3° | 112 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.5h |
