If you wish to gain access to the Reading Rooms to consult the Library’s collections, you must have a valid reader’s ticket.

To obtain a reader's ticket, please register online.

As well as being the first step towards obtaining a full reader's ticket, registering online allows access to the Library's External Resources, which are resources the Library subscribes to. This is possible through funding from the Welsh Assembly Government, and therefore to gain access, you must have an address in Wales or a Welsh postcode.

Tickets may be issued to applicants aged 16 or over. Visitors under 16 years of age can apply to visit the Reading Rooms under certain restrictions. For further details, and to apply, print the form Admission to Reading Rooms by Visitors Under 16 years of Age, or complete an application form in reception when you arrive at the Library.

Each ticket is issued subject to the regulations currently in force and is valid for all of the Library's Reading Rooms.

In signing your reader’s ticket, you will testify that you have read and understood the Policy on Access – Our expectations of readers, the Acceptable use of Computers Policy, and the form accepting the Conditions Regarding the use of Modern Archives.

You must bring with you 2 proofs of identity, one of them showing your current address. No ticket can be issued without adequate proof of identity being given.

Your photograph will be taken and printed on your ticket, and a copy kept by the Library for security purposes.

Tickets are issued for 3 years and are renewable.

Renewing your Reader's Ticket

You can renew your full reader's ticket by visiting the Library. Staff in Reception will update your details, take your photograph, and provide you with a new ticket. Please bring your old ticket with you, together with proof of your current address, if this has changed since your previous ticket was issued.

At present, you will have to register again when your online ticket expires, and receive a new ticket number.