Gladstone's Library
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Gladstone's Library
@gladlib.bsky.social
15K followers 690 following 1.6K posts
A unique residential library in North Wales with beautiful Reading Rooms, Food for Thought restaurant, accommodation and more.
Read, write, rest!

linktr.ee/gladlib
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gladlib.bsky.social
'She shall be buried by her Antony, / No grave upon the earth shall clip in it / A pair so famous.'

🧾 There are still tickets available for Professor Emma Rees' Weekend Course: Beguiling Shakespeare!
February 16, 2026 at 12:02 PM
gladlib.bsky.social

1/3 Music played a significant role in the lives of the Gladstone family. W.E. Gladstone’s daughter, Mary Drew, wrote about the piano frequently in her diaries, and there are also accounts of Gladstone finding great comfort listening to music at the end of his life.
February 14, 2026 at 2:02 PM
gladlib.bsky.social
Today we say goodbye to Dr. Louisa Yates, Director of Collections and Research. After over 15 years at the Library, Louisa has a new role at the University of Warwick's Library and Archives. Louisa has been an inspiration and she will be missed. Good luck Louisa!
Image of Louisa Yates in front of a bookcase. Photograph of Louisa Yates interviewing Sarah Perry surrounded by an audience in armchairs. Louisa Yates peeping out from the open doorway into the Reading Rooms at Gladstone's Library.
February 13, 2026 at 12:30 PM
gladlib.bsky.social
'She shall be buried by her Antony, / No grave upon the earth shall clip in it / A pair so famous.'

There are still tickets available for Professor Emma Rees' Weekend Course: Beguiling Shakespeare! Immerse yourself into the world of Anthony and Cleopatra. 1/3
February 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM
gladlib.bsky.social
Exciting News!

Tune into The One Show tonight at 7pm on BBC One to hear our Warden, Andrea, discuss what makes Gladstone's Library so unique.

We were delighted to welcome the BBC during our Hearth festival, and contribute to the conversation about the diversity of libraries.
February 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM
gladlib.bsky.social
One month into 2026 and already need a holiday? Visit Gladstone's Library in North Wales and sleep amongst books! For first time bookers, enjoy 20% off your accommodation in March 2026. To book visit our website. T&Cs apply.
FIRST TIME STAY OFFER: 20% OFF FOR FIRST TIME BOOKERS STAYING IN MARCH. Book now at gladstoneslibrary.org or call Reception on 01244 532 350. T&Cs: This offer can be used for one visit per guest. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts. To be eligible, this must be your first overnight stay at the Library. There is no limit on the length of your booking as long as it falls within 1st-31st March 2026 (inclusive). Offer valid until 31st March 2026. Offer is subject to availability.
February 9, 2026 at 12:07 PM
gladlib.bsky.social
💫 We still have tickets available for our Glimpse tour on Tuesday 10th February! Find out more on our website, link in bio. 💫

Have you ever passed Gladstone's Library and wondered what's inside? Why not book tickets to one of our Glimpse tours?
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February 6, 2026 at 2:02 PM
gladlib.bsky.social
Gladstone says: "Did you see us featured in this month's Country Living magazine?"

Thank you Country Living Magazine for featuring us in your '5 of the best libraries' segment! With Reading Rooms, bedrooms, restaurant, lounge, events and more, there's something for everyone here.
A bust of William Gladstone is holding a quill and pointing towards a magazine held up next to the statue. A page of a magazine showing an article titled '5 of the best libraries'. The magazine is perched on a stand inside a wood-lined library. Country Living magazine, March edition, is propped on a windowsill in front of a green plant.
February 4, 2026 at 1:15 PM
gladlib.bsky.social
In 2025, our Food for Thought was buzzing with activity! Welcoming visitors from near and far, for a cup of tea or a three-course meal. Here's a look back on the year!
Image of dining table with text overlayed reading 'FOOD FOR THOUGHT WRAPPED 2025 . In 2025, our restaurant team served...' Image of dining table with cushions laid out spelling the word 'Food', a pot of daffodils are in the middle of the table. Text overlayed reads '8009 breakfasts' Image of a coffee and croissant on a table with text overlayed '2373 cappuccinos 4757 Yorkshire teas' Image of a chef preparing scones in a restaurant kitchen with text overlayed saying '1309 quiches, 1813 scones'
February 3, 2026 at 2:45 PM
gladlib.bsky.social
Congratulations to our Warden, Andrea, who was installed as a Canon at St Asaph Cathedral on Sunday in recognition of her work here at the Library!
Warden Andrea Russell is stood in front of the wooden doors and large archway at the entrance of Gladstone's Library. She is wearing the clerical clothing of a Canon. Warden Andrea Russell is stood next to Bishop Gregory in St Asaph Cathedral, they are both smiling. She is wearing the clerical clothing of a Canon. Warden Andrea Russell is stood next to a wooden bench of Canon seats in St Asaph Cathedral. She is wearing the clerical clothing of a Canon.
January 30, 2026 at 11:31 AM
gladlib.bsky.social
📣Final tickets!📣
📆Sat 31 Jan
🕐10.30AM-7.30PM
📍Gladstone's Library
🎟️3 all-day and 5 morning tickets remain
🎤Four talks, closing with a Q&A. Listen, talk, and eat together
🍴Lunch, dinner, tea and coffee included
🛏️20% discount on accommodation
Our website➡️Events to book

@harrymanonbluesky.bsky.social
A promotional poster for ‘Hearth 2026’, a one-day micro-festival at Gladstone’s Library. The event is on Saturday 31st January from 10:30am to 7:30pm. Ticket prices are listed as £110 for a full day and £60 for a half day. Featured authors are Sarah Perry, Harry Man, Dan Kaszeta, and Glenn Malkin. The poster describes four authors giving four talks, ending with a Q&A. The lower half shows an orange-tinted vintage photograph of a person lying on a fur rug reading by firelight, with the words ‘Gather round Hearth’. Gladstone’s Library’s logo appears on the right side. A banner at the bottom reads: ‘Book your tickets now | gladstoneslibrary.org’. A poster for ‘Hearth 2026’. The schedule lists: • 10:30–11:30 — ‘Death of an Ordinary Man: Sarah Perry talks to Louisa Yates’ • 12:00–13:00 — ‘Popular Song with Harry Man’ • 13:00–14:30 — Lunch at Food for Thought • 14:30–15:30 — ‘What is Ukraine and who are Ukrainians?’ with Dan Kaszeta • 16:00–17:00 — ‘Binding the Booker Prize’ with Glenn Malkin • 17:30–18:30 — Hearth Q&A with all four speakers • 18:30 — Dinner at Food for Thought A banner along the bottom reads: ‘Book your tickets now | gladstoneslibrary.org’. The design includes yellow accents and a ‘Festival’ tag in the top-left corner.
January 23, 2026 at 4:21 PM
gladlib.bsky.social
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Thursday 8th January 2026. Due to a power cut in the area, we currently have no power. The power should be restored by 2.30pm. Check back here for updates.
January 8, 2026 at 12:44 PM
gladlib.bsky.social
IMPORTANT NOTICE Wednesday 7th January 2026: We are open as normal but have intermittent internet on site. Pop in for lunch, a coffee, or to use our Reading Rooms! For updates, follow us on social media.
January 7, 2026 at 11:46 AM
gladlib.bsky.social
✨We open at 2pm today (Tues 6 Jan)!✨ Gladstone’s Library is a place people come to read, write and rest; to research and retreat; to meet friends and colleagues or enjoy time alone; to attend a course, an event, or simply to have lunch.
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January 6, 2026 at 9:01 AM
gladlib.bsky.social
We’re the UK's only Prime Ministerial library and one of few residential libraries in the world. With Reading Rooms, restaurant, bedrooms, events, a chapel, sitting room, meeting rooms, and gardens... There's something for everyone.

For more, click the link in our bio!
Promotional graphic for Gladstone’s Library showing the historic library building in the background with six inset photographs. Top left: a cosy bedroom labelled “Rest,” with text inviting guests to stay in one of 26 bedrooms. Top right: a grand wood-panelled reading room labelled “Read,” inviting visitors to sign up for free. Middle left: an audience at an event labelled “Gather,” promoting the events programme and spaces for hire. Middle right: students sitting on the lawn outside the library labelled “Engage,” promoting the youth programme for ages 14–24. Bottom left: two people clinking glasses of red wine labelled “Dine,” advertising the Food for Thought restaurant. Bottom right: a bright chapel with chairs labelled “Pause,” offering sanctuary, silence and inclusive services. Text at the bottom reads “The UK’s finest residential library, Open 7 days a week | gladstoneslibrary.org | +44 (0) 1244 532 350"
January 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM
gladlib.bsky.social
✨Happy New Year from Gladstone’s Library✨

We send our warmest wishes to all our friends and supporters. Thank you for being part of the life of the Library; for reading, writing, thinking, resting, eating, learning, laughing, conversing, and sharing this unique place with us.
A photo of two hands clinking two glasses of red wine together by the window in Food for Thought restaurant. Text reads 'Happy New Year from all at Gladstone's Library'
January 1, 2026 at 12:02 AM
gladlib.bsky.social
We’ve had a busy year in the Reading Rooms! In 2025 you have…
📜 explored 615 folders from our archives
🔍 delved into 242 books from our special collections
📖 cracked open 4500 books from our circulating collections
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A photo of an audience listening to a speaker in the grand, wooden, two-floor Theology Room. Text overlayed reads 'Reading Rooms Wrapped 2025. In 2025, you have...' A photo of a doorway with bookcases behind it with text overlayed 'Explored 615 folders from our archives' A photo of two people looking at books laid out on a table with text overlayed 'Delved into 242 books from our special collections' A photo of a person picking a book of a bookcase with text overlayed 'Cracked open 4500 books from our circulating collections'
December 31, 2025 at 10:00 AM
gladlib.bsky.social
On behalf of the team at Gladstone’s Library may you have a very happy Christmas!

Many of us have a favourite Christmas Carol. Mine is ‘O Holy Night’, especially because of this verse:
O holy night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth

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A photo of two hands pulling a Christmas Cracker in front of a Christmas tree covered in tinsel, lights and baubles. Text overlayed reads 'Merry Christmas from all at Gladstone's Library!'
December 25, 2025 at 6:00 AM
gladlib.bsky.social
📣 Tickets available for Writing with an Ear to Sound, a Masterclass with David Hendy

📆 17 January 10:30am-3pm | 📍 Gladstone's Library | 🎟️ Tickets £70
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A photo of David Hendy with the text 'Writing with an ear to sound with David Hendy. Saturday 17th January 2026 10.30am-3pm. Tickets £70, available now! www.gladstones.org/events'
December 23, 2025 at 12:00 PM
gladlib.bsky.social
Gladstone’s Library is now closed for Christmas and New Year! We reopen on Tuesday 6th January at 2pm and hope to see you then.
A photo of Gladstone's Library with text overlayed 'WE ARE CLOSED. WE REOPEN ON TUESDAY 6TH JANUARY AT 2PM See you soon!'
December 22, 2025 at 12:45 PM
gladlib.bsky.social
🎄We close today (22 Dec) at 10am, and we reopen on Tues 6 Jan at 2pm

As the year draws to a close I want to wish you all a joy-filled Christmas and a happy new year. Thank you for all your support and encouragement. It has been a full year and we have much to be thankful for.
December 22, 2025 at 9:01 AM
gladlib.bsky.social
It was wonderful to welcome Hanan Issa back to Gladstone’s Library last week to stay with us during her Artist in Residence visit with Theatr Clwyd in partnership with the Wales Millennium Centre - Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru. Hanan Issa is the current National Poet of Wales!
A photo of Hanan Issa in an armchair surrounded by floor to ceiling bookshelves. She is leaning her chin on her hand propped up on the armchair.
December 19, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Reposted by Gladstone's Library
kateem.bsky.social
And here is the view from my desk @gladlib.bsky.social
An upstairs view from a desk in St Deiniol's Library, Hawarden, north Wales, built by William Gladstone for scholars, readers and writers.
December 12, 2025 at 9:20 AM
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📖 A day in the life at Gladstone’s Library 📖
Step inside the quiet magic of the Reading Rooms, relax in the cosy Gladstone Room, and wander around the Grade 1 listed building (one of only a few in the whole of Wales!). Thank you to @alittlemixofvix for capturing this video.
December 15, 2025 at 10:01 AM
gladlib.bsky.social
🎁We’ve got the perfect gifts for everyone on your list!

❄️Gladstone’s Library Gift Vouchers
❄️Befriend a Book 2025: help preserve history!
❄️Shop via bookshop.org/shop/gladstoneslibrary
❄️Exclusive Library Merchandise (in person) Link in bio or visit our website!
A colourful mug with the writing 'Gladstone's Library is my happy place' is placed on a shelf with a wooden backdrop. Around it is a coaster with a stack of books drawn, a pin badge of a stack of books, a door hanger that says 'shh... I'm reading', a length of green fir branch, and a piece of wrapping paper with a colourful bookcase design. A three-tiered afternoon tea with sandwiches, cakes and scones placed on a wooden table. A damaged book laid on a black surface. The book is torn in two with the spine ripped off. A woman sits in a garden, at a table, reading a book and pouring milk into a teacup.
December 13, 2025 at 12:00 PM