SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, has welcomed news that Gladstone’s Library will once again be giving people a chance to glimpse behind the scenes.
On Saturday, September 14, Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden, is taking part in Open Doors 2024 where visitors will be invited to explore the history, collections and architecture of the UK’s only Prime Ministerial Library.
Mr Rowlands, a great supporter of encouraging people to find out more about our heritage said: “I am a great supporter of this fantastic library and the Open Doors initiative which is organised by CADW which protects our historic buildings across Wales.
“Gladstone’s Library, is a national attraction and an extremely valuable part of our heritage, and it is great that visitors will be able to take a look at what goes on behind the scenes there.
“Last year’s event was a great success and I would urge anyone who wants to find out more about the building and the treasures it houses to help celebrate the Open Doors festival and book a place.”
Alexandra Foulds, Archivist at Gladstone’s Library, said: “This is an opportunity to see some of the highlights of Gladstone’s Library’s printed collections and archives, have a tour of our Reading Rooms, and go behind the scenes in our strongrooms.
“This year’s event will focus on the early years of Gladstone’s Library. We’ll explore the foundation of the Library by William Gladstone in 1894 and what it looked like during his lifetime, the construction of our current building as the national monument to Gladstone after his death, and early visitors to the Library. We’ll discuss Gladstone as a lifelong reader and book-lover, his vision for the Library, and how this is implemented today.
“As well as the beautiful Reading Rooms which house 150,000 printed books (20,000 of which belonged to Gladstone), the library has an extensive collection of archives.
“The Reading Rooms are open to registered Readers and residents but are not normally open to the public. The strongrooms are normally only accessible to staff.”
Gladstone’s Library has taken part in Open Doors for several years, rejoining in 2023 after ‘resting’ the scheme around the initial Covid pandemic.
This year, there will be five tours each lasting approximately 60 minutes and with a maximum capacity of 18 people per tour.They will take place at 9.30am, 10.45am, 12pm, 2pm and 3.15pm.
Places are free, but attendees must book ahead. Email [email protected] or call 01244 532 350 to check availability. You can check the events section of www.gladstoneslibrary.org for regular tour dates and other activities at the Library.
