About the Welsh Library

The Welsh Library holds a notable collection of printed material, in Welsh and other languages, relating to Wales and other Celtic countries, matched only by the National Library and Cardiff University. The collection is part of the heritage of North Wales in its quality and in its origins. Many of the books were donated by generous local benefactors over the years, and, due to its prestige, the collection still attracts donations today. It is an exceptional research resource.

The main Welsh Library collection is housed in the Shankland Reading Room on the top floor of the Main Library. The highly decorated room is named after Thomas Shankland. As Assistant Librarian, he achieved notable work in collecting rare books, pamphlets and newspapers.

The Welsh Library’s Reference Collection is shelved in Shankland and contains directories, bibliographies, biographical dictionaries, dictionaries and other texts which it has been thought should always be available for consultation. It also contains indexes to individual Welsh periodical titles. No volumes from the Welsh Reference Collection may be borrowed.