About

A bookshop built by community

About the bookshop

Run by the people, for the people, our shop exists to celebrate reading in all its forms while supporting the Welsh language and culture at its heart. Whether you’re discovering a new author, picking up a familiar favourite, or simply stepping inside for a quiet moment, this is a place where everyone belongs.

“Bys a Bawd Pawb” translates loosely to “a finger and thumb for everyone” – a phrase rooted in inclusivity, care, and the simple act of passing something meaningful from one person to another. That spirit shapes everything we do.

A living piece of history

We are proud to be recognised as the oldest Welsh-language bookshop in the world. For generations, this space has played a vital role in keeping Welsh literature alive – supporting writers, preserving language, and connecting communities through stories. Today, that legacy continues, carried forward by a new generation of volunteers, readers, and supporters who believe in its future as much as its past.

Campaign to buy Bys a Bawd

2025-2026

  • 28 February ‘25 – the share offer was launched at a gig with Tecwyn Ifan

  • 550 shareholders

  • £127,000 invested by shareholders

  • £324,753 grant funding awarded

  • 118 members of the Bys a Bawd Pawb Society

  • 662 followers on Facebook and 679 followers on Instagram

  • 26 letters of support from local organisations

  • 18 video clips by supporters including authors: Myrddin ap Dafydd, Bethan Gwanas, John Gower, Sian Northey, Tudur Owen, Angharad Price and Aneirin Karadog

  • 6.4 K views for rugby commentator Dyddgu Morgan – Hywel’s video

  • 8.6 K views for Radio Cymru broadcaster Aled Hughes’ video

  • 5 April ‘25 – The popular podcast ‘Colli’r Plot’ (Losing the Plot) was recorded at Llanrwst

  • 16 April ‘25 – A session for families was held at Llanrwst Library with Magi Ann

  • National media coverage Heno, Radio Cymru, Golwg and Daily Post

  • Local support Y Pentan, Yr Odyn, Y Gadlas and Y Bedol

Our history

  • Y Siop Lyfrau Cymraeg (The Welsh Bookshop) was opened at Tan y Graig, Llanrwst by Arianwen and Dafydd Parry. The first of its kind in Wales.
  • The Sweet Shop and Tobacconist at 27, Denbigh Street, Llanrwst was purchased by Wil Berry.
1955
  • The Bys a Bawd shop a business selling office supplies and offering a typing service, was opened at 2, Watling Sreet, Llanrwst by Gwawr Dafydd.
1982
  • Y Siop Lyfrau Cymraeg and Bys a Bawd combined and opened in new premises, 29 Denbigh Street, Llanrwst.
1986
  • Siop Bys a Bawd was purchased by a new owner, Dwynwen Berry.
2007
  • Siop Bys a Bawd was extended to include the old Sweet Shop and Tobacconist, previously owned by Wil Berry at 27, Denbigh Street.
2009
  • At Gŵyl y Fedwen Lyfrau, a book festival held at Llanrwst, Arianwen Parry was recognised for her lifetime contribution to the Welsh books industry.
2010
  • The old HSBC Bank building on the Square was purchased by Menter Iaith Conwy.
2018
  • Bys a Bawd Pawb Community Benefit Society was registered with the objective of purchasing the Shop and running it for the benefit of the community.
  • A share offer by the Bys a Bawd Pawb Community Benefit Society was launched, raising close to £128,000.
2025
  • The purchase of the Bys a Bawd Shop was completed.
  • Bys a Bawd Pawb opened the Shop for the first time for two days of bargains before the Shop closed for renovations.
  • Bys a Bawd Pawb’s Pop-up Shop opened in Menter Iaith Conwy’s building on the Square in Llanrwst.
2026
Arianwen Parri stands behind a counter in the shop surrounded by notebooks, pens, and office supplies.
Three people stand indoors as an older man hands something to a younger man whilst a woman stands between them, smiling. Bookcases and artwork are visible in the background.
Two people stand indoors holding children’s books titled “Nos Da, T. Rex!” and “Nos Da, Uncorn,” both smiling for the camera.
Arianwen Parry receiving the Lifetime Contribution to the Book Industry Award in 2010
A person with short grey hair smiles whilst holding a framed artwork of a person in a hat and a sheet of stickers. The background is blurred.
A man wearing a crown and suit sits on an ornate wooden throne, while a woman stands behind him holding a cushion.
Four men stand outdoors in front of rocks on the cover of a red and black book titled LLAWENYDD HEB DDIWEDD with Welsh text and author names below.
A person in a checked shirt sits on a sofa holding a book titled Welsh Witches. Colourful posters and maps are visible on the wall behind them.
A man sits in a large carved wooden chair with Welsh inscriptions; next to it is a differently styled ornate wooden chair outdoors with 2017 and Welsh text engraved on it.
Wales’ first Welsh-language bookshop in Llanrwst
A woman with dark hair and a patterned necklace stands outdoors, looking at the camera with a neutral expression. Trees and a field are visible in the background.

Based in Llanrwst

Nestled in the Conwy Valley, Llanrwst is a town rich in heritage, creativity, and Welsh identity. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and woodland, it has long been a meeting place – a hub for trade, culture, and community. Today, it remains a town where tradition and creativity sit side by side, making it the perfect home for a bookshop rooted in language and belonging.


Bys a Bawd Pawb reflects that spirit: local, welcoming, and deeply connected to place.