National Library of Wales

As the country's legal deposit library, it houses the largest collection of archival material in Wales, with over 2,500 collections spanning centuries. It is also home to rare books, manuscripts, archives, film and video, newspapers, maps, sound material, photographs and works of art.

Welsh history

From medieval charters to contemporary digital materials, researchers can delve into personal papers, estate records, and literary drafts to uncover the rich tapestry of Welsh history. Learn about prominent Welsh figures including poet Dylan Thomas and Prime Minister David Lloyd George.

Sound and vision

The Library is also home to the National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales, preserving a collection of films, television programmes, videos, sound recordings and music relating to Wales and the Welsh.

More than books

The library offers a vibrant space for learning and inspiration. Request material from the library’s collection online and then consult it in the dedicated Reading Room, (following online registration). Additionally, the library regularly hosts regular events, from discussions on Dylan Thomas to concerts by male voice choirs, and lectures featuring prominent authors and historians.

Uncover your Welsh ancestry

The library’s vast selection of archives is a helpful resource for anyone interested in tracking down long-lost Welsh relatives. The library holds a huge wealth of birth, death and marriage registers, crime records, census documents and a collection of historical maps all under one roof.