The National Library of Wales
The Library’s Computer Game
Fri, 25 May 07 16:46:00
The very old and very modern side by side at The National Library of Wales stand at the Urdd Eisteddfod.
The National Library of Wales stand at the Urdd Gobaith Cymru National Eisteddfod Sir Gâr will combine the latest technology and traditional display methods to present some of Wales’ treasures to children and young people. Side by side with NANW’S GREAT ADVENTURE – a new and exciting computer game that includes The Black Book of Carmarthen, will be a facsimile copy of The Black Book, one of the earliest surviving manuscripts written in the Welsh language.
The aim of NANW’S GREAT ADVENTURE is to help a librarian to find 7 treasures and return these to the Library. The first of these treasures is The Black Book, and on finding and returning it players will learn about some of its history before moving on to search for the next item. But they will have to overcome a number of obstacles before returning the item, and can’t be too slow as the clock is ticking and time is short!
A facsimile copy of The Black Book of Carmarthen will also be displayed at The National Library of Wales stand on the maes, back in the town where it is believed it was copied by a monk in the 13th Century. The Black Book’s content includes the earliest written version of the legend of Cantre’r Gwaelod, poems about King Arthur and his knights, important extracts from the Merlin legend, religious verse and prophecies.
Owen Llywelyn, The National Library of Wales Senior Education officer said:
“Young people who visit The National Library of Wales stand will have the opportunity to see a facsimile copy of The Black Book, one of Wales’ main treasures. There will be activities throughout the week that will teach children and young people about the importance of The Black Book to Wales, and one of these is the exciting new computer game.”
The game will utilise the latest technology and will be placed on The National Library of Wales education website after its launch at The Urdd Eisteddfod, and is likely to attract gamers from far a field.
The facsimile copy will be available throughout the week for viewing, and the game available throughout the week for playing. Call at the stand to see both.
At 11.30 Thursday 31 May the Crowned Bard, Mererid Hopwood will launch the Library’s centenary book, In this Place. This special publication is full of colour photographs, history and unexpected collections in the Library’s collection.
Where are they now? At 4.00 on Friday 1 June at the Library stall this year’s Eisteddfod recital sub-committee will ask all winners of the recital competition at the 1967 Urdd Eisteddfod in Carmarthen to meet and share their experiences.
Further Information:
Owen Llywelyn, NLW Educations Office: 07813 795 096 or 01970 632 528 owen.llywelyn@llgc.org.uk
Rhodri Morgan, NLW Education Office: 01970 632 913 rhodri.morgan@llgc.org.uk
Siôn Jobbins, NLW Press Office: 01970 632 902 sij@llgc.org.uk
