The National Library of Wales (NLW) has announced that it will re-open on Saturdays from Saturday 8 May 2010.
The NLW has issued the following news release:
“The original decision to close was made in the face of pressure to make significant financial savings quickly – and the building has been closed on Saturdays since 1 April 2009.
“There was widespread support by the public during the period that the Library was closed. The Library has been able to respond to that support, to the request of the Government and the enthusiasm of the Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones AM and answer the Library’s basic desire to serve the people of Wales by creating a model that is considerably cheaper and which now allows the Library to re-open.
“However this is a limited service. From May 8, 2010 the public will once again be able to make use of the Library’s collections and building. Collections will be available for readers from the Reading Rooms and the exhibitions, the Library’s shop, café and meeting rooms are also available to enjoy in a great location overlooking Aberystwyth.
“Because of the limited service, readers will have to order material in advance and there will not be the usual full complement of food at the Library’s Pen Dinas café.
“The President of the Library, Dafydd Wigley, is very glad of the development:
‘There was a lot of support from the public to reconsider and re-open the Library on Saturday and calls on the Assembly to give priority to maintaining funding for the Library. Re-opening has been a priority of ours, and in conjunction with the Assembly Government, we have managed to make savings and restructured so that we are now in a position to offer a service to readers, tourists and locals.’
“The Library will be distributing specially commissioned bookmarks to inform the public of the good news. Libraries and organisation who would like these free bookmarks are welcome to contact the Library’s Communications Unit for a free supply. The Library has also created a special page on its website to inform the public of the services available on Saturday. It is suggested that people take a look at it before starting their journey to Aberystwyth: www.llgc.org.uk/Saturday
“Andrew Green, Librarian of the National Library said, ‘The decision to close on Saturday for economic reasons was extremely difficult for the National Library. However, we now look forward to providing our usual service and a warm welcome once again from 8 May 2010 onwards.’”
