The National Library of Wales is acknowledged as the principal centre for researching Welsh genealogy, and you are welcome to use its sources and facilities for researching the history of your own family.

Learn more about the Library's collections, each of which has something to offer the family historian. Keep an eye on this website as the information it provides about the collections and their contents grows.

Prepare well for your visit so that you can make the most of your time here. If you cannot visit the Library in person, please consult the list of independent researchers who may be willing to work on your behalf.

Reader’s surgeries

The Library offers reader surgeries, which give information and guidance on how to go about researching your family history. Contact us to reserve your place.

Access to materials

You can search for materials from our collections in our online catalogue. You will however need a valid reader’s ticket to order material for viewing in our Reading Rooms.