Libraries in Wales

The Library as Resource for the Writer

Many people associate libraries with academics and students. But libraries are an invaluable resource for the creative writer, too. Alongside a substantial amount of classic and contemporary creative works in print, audio and visual media, all of which can help to develop your understanding of the literary culture both past and present, most good local libraries also hold a wide variety of reference books to help writers to research their work – and to help inspire them, too. And if you’re a writer seeking to carry out a work of creative non-fiction or a novel with an historical, local or otherwise specialist context, libraries are not simply useful – they’re absolutely crucial. Libraries are where you’ll find a wealth of primary and secondary material to lend your work authenticity and accuracy.

Aspiring writers seeking ways into publication in literary magazines should also look to the library for their research. Libraries in Wales not only offer access to books, they also carry the leading cultural / literary magazines of Wales, Planet, Poetry Wales and New Welsh Review – as well as many interesting smaller literary journals, many locally based. It’s a great place to ‘try before you buy’ and plug into the scene.

In addition to their reading and lending services, most libraries today offer limited free access to IT services, including word processing and the internet, and many offer unlimited free wi-fi, too.