THE NATIONAL Library of Wales has launched a series of events to support Wales in the World Cup tournament in Qatar. By joining the Red Wall of supporters, the Library’s intention is to create excitement, fun events and to share the history and archives relating to football in Wales, in Aberystwyth and online.
The Library has planned a number of activities for the coming weeks to mark this exciting occasion. These include an exhibition of items from the collections in the Peniarth exhibition area and the Reading Room.
From art to film, the displays will celebrate Wales’ footballing history. Visit the Library to watch some past football games, to read about some the game’s heroes or to see a copy of Yma o Hyd in Dafydd Iwan’s own handwriting. Visitors will also be encouraged to share their responses to the items, favourite football memories and memorabilia on our own red wall in the exhibition space. And in the evening, a surprise awaits those who can see the Library from their home.
The Education Service has planned a series of workshops at the Library, which looks at the history of the Wales Teams (men and women) from 1876 to Qatar, using collections at the Library. In our first event, pupils of Ysgol Gymraeg Aberystwyth enjoyed a Q&A session in the company of the presenter and author Dylan Ebenezer:
“Seeing Wales in the World Cup is amazing but seeing the reaction of the children is also fantastic. Seeing them have a chance to enjoy, without possibly realising the significance of it, they take it almost for granted, is special in itself, considering how much some people have waited for this moment.”
The service has also published a digital resource for schools, which looks at the history of the Wales National Football teams, which can be accessed for free online.
Rhian Gibson, Director of Communications, Engagement and Partnerships, said: “The Library is delighted to be joining people, children and organizations across Wales to show our support for the incredible achievement of the Welsh Football Team. The library is full of pictures, books, films and articles about football in Wales, and it’s great to be able to share these with children and people in the Library and beyond. And of course the hope is that the team will create more history to add to the archive in the library for the future.”
During this period, a range of football-associated products will be available to purchase in the shop at the Library; whether you want to read about some of your heroes or are looking for a new mug to enjoy your tea when watching a game, there are plenty of gifts to choose from.
Visit us to join the celebrations, and follow the Library on social media to find out more:
Facebook: @llgcymrunlwales | Twitter: @NLWales | Instagram: @librarywales
