10 reasons to visit The National Library of Wales this summer

The National Library of Wales is one of the gems of Mid Wales and a popular visitor attraction.

The site has ample car parking and is a 10-minute walk from the town centre or alternatively the ’03 bus follows a circular route from the town centre, calling at the national library and the Aberystwyth University campus.

Here’s a list of 10 reasons why a visit to the national library is a must this summer: 

1. Come and explore the national library’s remarkable collections on display its galleries. All exhibitions are free and families are welcome.
2. This Grade II listed building and gardens occupy a truly glorious site with stunning views over Cardigan Bay.
3. A programme of events is published three times a year featuring the national library’s exhibitions, talks, presentations and general visitor information. Visitors are invited to join the silly and mad world of David Walliams, one of the planet’s most popular authors on August 30. It’s an opportunity to step into the world of his funny stories and to meet some of the characters that appear in these recent Welsh adaptations.
4. Come and enjoy sandwiches, panini, jacket potatoes, homemade soup, daily specials and delicious homemade cakes at Caffi Pen Dinas. Hot and cold beverages are served all day. If the sun’s shining, pick up some sandwiches and have a picnic in the landscaped grounds of the national library.
5. Go ‘Behind the Scenes’ with a guided tour of the national library, suitable for all ages. Book tickets online or phone the shop 01970 632548. The ticket price includes a free tea or coffee at Caffi Pen Dinas.
6. Indulge in a little retail therapy. The national library’s shop stocks quality, bespoke gifts, many by local artists, others of national acclaim such as Mari Thomas, winner of numerous design awards. Lizzie Spikes and Valeriané Leblond’s work feature regularly on the shop’s shelves, showcasing work which demonstrates their love for the Ceredigion landscape.
7. Discover the ‘Holy Grail’. This fragile piece of wood is all that remains of an ancient mazer bowl commonly known as the Nanteos Cup.
8. Information sessions offer an opportunity to learn about the national library’s collections and how to make the best use of the facilities and your time as a visitor.
9. See the smallest book in the ‘Cover to Cover’ exhibition. Its measures less than 1mm x 1mm x1mm.
10. Want to get away from it all? Then relax with a good book in one of national library’s reading rooms.