Ap Gwynn, Arthur(1902-1987)

Caernarfon; Librarian

Ap Gwynn, Arthur (1902-1987) b. Caernarfon. Librarian University College of Wales Aberystwyth (1932-68 ). On staff National Library of Wales (1923-5). Ex-Head Welsh Department Cardiff Public Library (1926-32)

Arthur ap Gwynn was born on November 4 1902 in Caernarfon, the second of three children to T Gwynn Jones and his wife Margaret Jane. Arthur and his family moved to Aberystwyth in 1909, and he attended the town's Ardwyn School. In 1919, he entered the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, graduated with first class honours in Welsh in 1923, going on to receive his MA in 1926.
On leaving university, ap Gwynn was appointed Welsh Librarian at Cardiff Public Library. He edited the Subject Index to Welsh Periodicals.

In 1932 he returned to Aberystwyth as University Librarian, and he married his wife Catherine the following year. During the Second World War, ap Gwynn served with the Swansea Fire Service, but returned to his post in Aberystwyth in 1945. He remained University Librarian until his retirement in 1968.

He died at his home in the village of Eglwys-Fach, near Aberystwyth, 10 December 1987.

Publications:

Subject Index to Welsh Periodicals Vol.1. Vol.2.... ed. By Arthur Ap Gwynn and Idwal Lewis. 1931-

Modern Welsh Books from point of view of reader and librarian LYC 1933 t. 43-7

T. Gwynn Jones EFR1, Rhif 1, 1950 t. 11-15

William Williams LYC1950 t. 74-5