Welsh Journals

with books-Wales had never received anything of the kind. and not only the dearth in the books of the past, but the almost hopeless task of acquiring the impor- tant forthcoming books, compelled an appeal to Parliament. This appeal was successful. From July 1912 the National Library has enjoyed the privilege of claiming a copy of all books-with slight exceptions-as they appear. By this means some- thing over ten thousand printed books, over one thousand periodicals, and a considerable number of maps, and pieces of music, will be added to the library each year. It remains, therefore, for the library out of its funds to make up the back publica- tions, and to purchase the most important current foreign books. Wales presented unusual difficulties with regard to the site where the National Library should be established. It may safely be said that, wherever located, it would be remote and difficult to reach from many parts of the country. The decision, to place it in the most important town near the centre of Wales, has been justified by results. Welsh senti- ment attaches itself more strongly to Aberystwyth than to any other town, and it is the seat of the oldest of the three national colleges. One thing is quite clear the special circumstances of Wales and Monmouthshire call for special arrange- ments for the use of the books in the National Library. It is found that students and research workers, who wish to use manuscripts and rare books, can and do visit Aberystwyth for the purpose. They come not only from the thirteen counties and from other parts of Great Britain, but also from the Continent and from America. When they are unable to make a personal visit, or where the references required are brief, it is always possible to get the copying or verification done for quite moderate charges. There remains, however, a large number of people engaged in literary work, in teaching, or in preparing knowledge to be imparted to others in other ways, who, for want of time, want of means, and other causes, are unable to visit the library. The books they require are not rare books, but the standard works which, owing to the want of even average libraries they are unable to obtain. Fortunately the charter of the library enables the governing body to create and maintain duplicate and multiplicate collections, and to lend these for the purpose of instruction. Acting upon this, it is intended to bring into existence a large library of duplicate books, and special provision for the storage and administration of this department is included in the buildings now being erected. The lending of duplicate copies, and small collec- tions, for the use of classes studying in remote places, is already in operation. What has already been done in this direction shows clearly the necessity for such provision. Arrangements for doing this work upon a larger scale are in hand. The Development Commissioners have promised a grant for an Agri- cultural Library, (which will include horticulture, forestry and other branches) the books to be lent under proper safeguards. A special library, on similar lines, dealing with educational theory and practice has also been sanctioned. The library was fortunate in having a splendid site for the projected buildings, through the foresight and generosity of the late Lord Rendel. Nearly twenty years ago, in 1896, a small committee which included Sir John Williams and the late Mr. T. E. Ellis (when M.P. for Merionethshire) fixed upon a site known as the Grogythan lands, on an eminence close to the town of Aberystwyth, but clear of all other buildings, as the ideal spot for a great national building. This land, about 17 acres, was subsequently purchased by Lord Rendel, and, when the charter of the Library was granted, his lordship conveyed such land as was then thought sufficient, as a free gift. Subsequently a further piece of land was conveyed in the same generous manner, and a third strip remains to be transferred when the approaches have been made, and the boundaries can be defined. Altogether the site of the Library extends to nearly seven acres. The scheme of the buildings was a matter requiring great care and foresight. In the preliminary dis- cussions some important points were formulated, and embodied in the instructions given to the six archi- tects included in the final competition. Architects were required to have regard to 1. The national character of the institution. 2. The commanding position of the site. The buildings will be seen from many points and long distances. Strong simple outlines, which will stand against the background of hills or sky, are therefore desirable, and uniformity of colour in the materials to contrast boldly with the surroundings. 3. The Administration block and the library hall should be on a scale not likely to call for ex- tension at some future time. The extensions should be in the book stacks and special rooms. The instructions also included a note that the buildings were to be thoroughly fire and damp-proof, and directed that special precautions must be taken to minimise the risks of fire, theft, and other perils. The accepted designs, by Mr. Sidney Greenslade, A.R.IJBA., carry out these instructions, and many