National Library Of Wales
Founded by Royal Charter in 1907, NLW is one of the legal deposit libraries of the UK and has benefited from this status since 1911. Through this privilege, by purchase, donation or legacy it has built up a significant collection specialising in Wales, the Welsh and the other Celtic peoples that includes a wide range of media: books, records, maps, pictures, films & for the benefit of the public.
Activities & Mission
Founded by Royal Charter in 1907, NLW is one of the legal deposit libraries of the UK and has benefited from this status since 1911. Through this privilege, by purchase, donation or legacy it has built up a significant collection specialising in Wales, the Welsh and the other Celtic peoples that includes a wide range of media: books, records, maps, pictures, films & for the benefit of the public.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 22% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M (sample: 125). How is this calculated?
Higher than 34% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 12% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £22,330,000 | £17,617,000 | £15,526,000 | £112,882,000 | £588,000 | 202 / 102 |
| 2024 | £21,049,000 | £19,988,000 | £17,424,000 | £106,923,000 | £588,000 | 229 / 87 |
| 2023 | £17,430,000 | £19,393,000 | £17,742,000 | £102,350,000 | £1,055,000 | 226 / 5 |
| 2022 | £18,776,000 | £14,834,000 | £14,217,000 | £83,021,000 | £15,615,000 | 219 / 50 |
| 2021 | £17,305,000 | £14,097,000 | £13,461,000 | £78,204,000 | £14,823,000 | 239 / 50 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about National Library Of Wales
What does National Library Of Wales do?
Founded by Royal Charter in 1907, NLW is one of the legal deposit libraries of the UK and has benefited from this status since 1911. Through this privilege, by purchase, donation or legacy it has built up a significant collection specialising in Wales, the Welsh and the other Celtic peoples that includes a wide range of media: books, records, maps, pictures, films & for the benefit of the public.
How much income did National Library Of Wales report in 2025?
National Library Of Wales reported total income of £22.33m and reported expenditure of £17.62m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is National Library Of Wales?
National Library Of Wales has a program ratio of 69.5%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 22% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M (sample of 125 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was National Library Of Wales registered as a charity?
National Library Of Wales was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 21 August 1967 as charity number 525775. It has been registered for 59 years.
Who runs National Library Of Wales?
National Library Of Wales is governed by a board of 15 trustees. The chair of trustees is Ashok Ahir. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does National Library Of Wales operate?
National Library Of Wales operates in England And Wales, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is National Library Of Wales a registered charity?
Yes — National Library Of Wales is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 525775.
Details
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Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Sectors & Classifications
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated