The National Library of Wales opens the North Reading Room
18th September 2009
The North Reading Room was first opened in 1916. Its high ceiling and classical symmetry has inspired generations of readers, and attracted some of Wales' and the world's finest writers and thinkers.
The North Reading Room today after re-furbishment.
In addition to making both technical and technological changes, much has been done to enhance the reading room's ambience and its aesthetic appeal. The room is now divided into a number of distinct areas including five smaller study rooms where users can either work in silence or discuss ideas with friends and colleagues without disturbing other readers in the main room.
New computer terminals for those who wish to combine surfing and reading.
A lounge area for the more 'laid back' reader. The reading room has wi-fi access throughout its new layout and readers can bring their own lap tops and work on-line wherever they are.
A recital by the Taliesin Quartet welcomed the guests to todays opening which included a poem especially written for the occasion by Gillian Clarke, the National Poet of Wales, and speeches from Dafydd Wigley, President of the National Library, Andrew Green, Librarian of the National Library, and Alun Ffred Jones A.M. the Minister for Heritage and Culture who also officially opened the newly refurbished North Reading Room.
Photographs by Pete Telfer
See Also -
Official Opening of the North Reading Room video
Promo English Video
Promo Cymraeg Video
by Erin Rickard on September 20th, 2009