Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University, Professor Richard Davies (left), being presented with a signed copy of Do Miners Read Dickens? a book celebrating 40 years of the South Wales Miners’ Library, by its authors Aberavon MP Dr Hywel Francis and South Wales Miners’ Library librarian Sian Williams
The Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University, Professor Richard Davies, was presented with a signed copy of Do Miners Read Dickens? a book celebrating 40 years of the South Wales Miners’ Library, at a launch party on Friday (January 17).
The library, part of Swansea University, was established using material saved from more than 60 miners’ institutes across South Wales. As well as books, the library at Hendrefoelan Student Village, contains lodge banners, documents, photographs and rare audio tapes of mine workers and their families.
The book was co-written by Aberavon MP Dr Hywel Francis, who helped to establish the South Wales Miners’ Library in 1973, and its librarian Sian Williams.
Ms Williams said: “The library is also used for continuing education and a number of miners’ leaders have furthered their education here so it is a kind of extension of the work of the miners’ institutes its collection reflects.”
The library has developed and nurtured its links with the community through its work with the Adult Education Department. It is also a resource widely used by the media – the Manic Street Preachers used footage from its collection for their latest video.
Professor Davies said: “South Wales Miners’ Library is one of the flagship collections that projects the University out into the wider community. From its opening it 1973, the Library has been an important resource for research and scholarship. This book highlights the important link between miners and education and culture in valley communities over the years.”
About 100 people were at the launch including Wayne Thomas, South Wales Area Secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers, Dr Kim Howells, the former miners’ leader and Minister of State, and George Brinley Evans who went down the pit aged 14 but became a published author in later life thanks to adult education courses.
An exhibition celebrating the 40-year history of the South Wales Miners’ Library is on display at the Hendrefoelan venue which is open to the public.
Do Miners Read Dickens? Origins and Progress of the South Wales Miners’ Library is priced £15 and is published by Parthian.
