Library treasures to be displayed at city event

They will include selected items from the service’s historical collections including materials from the founding collections and the 1887 opening of the Alexandra Road Library by four-time Prime Minister William Gladstone.

There’ll be works from historically significant local writers such as 19th century popular novelist Ann of Swansea and novelist and businesswoman Amy Dillwyn.

Other items will include a Dylan Thomas Omnibus illustrated by Swansea artist Ceri Richards, Welsh newspapers and historical maps of the area, wartime memorabilia and the Hornor Album, a portfolio of 1820s sketches of South Wales scenery.

Swansea Central Library’s Tales from the Vaults event will celebrate the Welsh Government’s Year of the Trail 2023 initiative.

The two-day event, takes place this Friday (10 March) between 1pm and 6pm, and Saturday (11 March) from 10.30am to 3.30pm, hosted by the council’s Local Studies and Libraryline services.

Year of the Trail encourages people cross Wales to find forgotten treasures, embrace journeys of the senses and make memories along pathways around attractions, activities, landscapes and coastlines.

Council cabinet member Elliott King said: “Our Tales from the Vaults drop-in will showcase hidden treasures from the special collections of Swansea Libraries. 

“It’ll draw customers into the world of libraries, displaying rarely seen items and some of our favourite things from our storage vaults. 

“Our special collections are not just made up of books; there are historic maps, library artefacts and sculptures – something for everyone.”

There will be a chance to learn about this history of items, the history of Swansea’s library service and its special collections plus the library conservation work that makes the existence of these collections possible.

There’ll be a self-guided trail around Swansea’s local studies collection and a chance to enjoy digital trails via virtual reality experiences.

Family history demonstrations, showings of nostalgic local history films and a chance to try out Swansea’s new BFI Replay resource will be available.

Children will be encouraged to view these treasures and then use experience to create their own historic book cover art in the Children’s area.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)