The National Library of Wales has highlighted its commitment to engaging youth and preserving Welsh culture by launching its 2025-2030 strategy at the Eisteddfod yr Urdd in Port Talbot.

Held on May 28, the youth event formed part of the Library’s week-long presence at the festival — with the theme of photography taking centre stage.

Among the photographers featured is Mary Dillwyn, one of Britain’s earliest female photographers — whose candid portraits of family life in 19th century Swansea, held in the Library’s collections, offer a powerful glimpse into Welsh history.

While the academic art world of the Victorian Age had always discriminated against women, the camera gave them a radical new independence — with Dillwyn’s work continuing to inspire new generations of storytellers, including those at this week’s Eisteddfod yr Urdd.

Indeed, the Library’s focus at the Urdd wasn’t just on the past. As part of the youth launch, the Library invited young people to become the archivists of tomorrow — just like Mary Dillwyn. Through a creative workshop, Reflections for 2050, they shared the things they want to remember in 25 years’ time — from their memories of Covid-19 and Wales’ football successes to the growth of the Welsh language, agriculture and the technology of our mobile phones. Their reflections — capturing the hopes and concerns of today's youth — provide renewed impetus for the Library to move forward with its core purpose and new strategy.

The Library’s commitment to preserving and sharing diverse voices is further reflected in the recent digitisation of the 1923 Women’s Peace Petition — a historic document signed by 400,000 women across Wales calling for global disarmament after the First World War. By making these signatures digitally accessible for the first time, the Library is ensuring that this remarkable act of collective action continues to inspire future generations.

Just as Dillwyn’s photographs and the Women’s Peace Petition shine a light on the past, the Reflections for 2050 project captures the voice and vision of today’s young people.

Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, Chief Executive of The National Library of Wales, said: “Our time at the Eisteddfod yr Urdd has showcased the importance of listening to the voices of young people — not just as future users of the Library, but as partners in shaping its purpose. Their reflections were honest, inspiring and deeply rooted in a love for Wales and its culture.”

Education and Skills Manager Owain Dafydd added: “This event was a powerful reminder that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom — it happens when young people are given the space to reflect, express themselves, and feel heard.”

The Library’s 2025-2030 strategy aligns with the Welsh Government’s new Priorities for Culture, placing inclusivity, access and community at its core. It sets out how the Library will open up its collections, spaces and services to more people — across Wales and beyond — while ensuring that everyone can see themselves reflected in the nation’s memory.