Trinity College Dublin Launches 300-Year Celebration of the Old Library

Apr 10, 2012

Trinity College Dublin is celebrating the tercentenary of the Old Library.  A programme of events marking the tercentenary was launched by Trinity students dressed in period costumes as famous alumni Jonathan Swift and Edmund Burke, leading cultural commentator of 18th century Ireland and artist, Mrs Mary Delany, joined by Trinity College Dublin Librarian Robin Adams.

Trinity Librarian Robin Adams launched the tercentenary celebrations of the Old Library with students Isabelle D'Arcy Clark, dressed as Mrs Mary Delany, Neil Fitzpatrick, dressed as Edmund Burke, and Ricky McCormack, dressed as Jonathan Swift.

The foundation stone for the Old Library, one of Ireland’s most iconic buildings was laid on May 12th, 1712 (Julian Calendar).  In the three hundred years since, the building has become internationally recognised as an outstanding example of library design and is greatly admired for the grace and discipline in the organisation of recorded thought. Over 500,000 visitors come to enjoy the Library every year, to see the Book of Kells Exhibition and to experience the Long Room.  As the sole College library for over 200 years, it was the place of study for many of Trinity’s most famous alumni. 

The Old Library Tercentenary celebrations will take place throughout 2012 and will be marked by a series of events including the exhibition ‘A great many choice books: 300 years of the Old Library’ on the history of the Old Library and its collections to be opened by President Higgins later this month; celebrity readings from the Library’s collection of children’s books, lectures and a series of other exciting events open to the public. There will also be a library conference ‘Building collections’ in June and the publication of a book on the Library and its collections.

A full programme of events is available online at www.tcd.ie/Library/tercentenary