SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is backing the chance for writers and researchers to grasp the opportunity to study and stay at Gladstones’s Library in Hawarden.
Applications are currently open for 20 scholarships at the library with successful applicants spending up to two weeks there and using the three Reading Rooms, thousands of books and archival collections items, and the on-site restaurant, in 2025.
Mr Rowlands said: “I am a great supporter of this fantastic library which is a national attraction. The scholarships on offer will provide researchers and writers the opportunity to study and stay at this lovely facility.
“What a wonderful place to spend time and soak in the atmosphere of this old and famous building not to mention the thousands of excellent and famous collections of books to read.
“Only last year the National Heritage Memorial Fund chose to support repairs to this historic building and I was pleased to see an extremely valuable part of our heritage receiving financial aid which will no doubt encourage even more people from far and wide to study and visit.”
The Rev’d Dr Andrea Russell, Warden of the Library, said: “We are very proud to be able to offer scholars this breathing space. Gladstone’s Library is a destination for students from all walks of life, so we see firsthand how valuable it is to be able to undertake concentrated study in a space built to enable research and writing.
“These scholarships are supported by very kind donors, and it is a joy to see the impact they have on the recipients. It’s often the highlight of my week to meet a scholar and learn about their projects over a cup of tea.”
This year, a new scholarship has been added to the list.
The Sara Richards and Joseph Boughey Scholarship was inaugurated this year in memory of Sara, a great Friend of Gladstone’s Library, and is supported by her husband Joseph. It focuses on research into the past, present and future of libraries, reading and archives, with particular reference to material aspects such as collections or library buildings.
In addition, The Miranda Kaufmann Black British History Scholarship has returned following a successful roll-out last year. This scholarship supports research into the histories of people of African and/or Caribbean origin or descent in the United Kingdom, making connections between the local and global aspects of British History. This scholarship is available exclusively for people who are United Kingdom Minority Ethnic/Global Majority Heritage.
The full application criteria and the application form are available on Gladtstones’s Library Scholarships Page. Submissions must be sent before 11.45pm BST on Wednesday 31st July.
