What role do libraries play in sustaining democratic societies? This question was at the heart of the inaugural Libraries for Democracy event, held at Trinity College Dublin as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Hosted by the Library of Trinity College Dublin in collaboration with the Trinity Long Room Hub Arts & Humanities Research Institute, the event brought together representatives from the library, archives and research sectors in Ireland and Europe to explore the relationship between access to knowledge, open dialogue and democratic participation.

The programme featured a keynote address by Mairead McGuinness, EU Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Trinity Librarian and College Archivist Helen Shenton.

Panellists included Dagnija Baltiņa, Director of the National Library of Latvia; Anja Smit, Secretary General of LIBER (Association of European Research Libraries); Orlaith McBride, Director of the National Archives of Ireland; and Stuart Hamilton, Head of Libraries Development at the Local Government Management Agency.

The discussion explored the contribution libraries make to democratic life, including their role in supporting access to information, encouraging dialogue and providing spaces where different perspectives can be heard and considered.

The event reflected Trinity’s commitment to academic freedom, civic engagement and informed public debate. It also provided an opportunity to connect Irish and European perspectives on the importance of libraries and knowledge institutions at a time when democratic values and access to reliable information remain central to wider European conversations.

The event formed part of the Trinity Arts & Humanities Research Festival and took place during European Researchers’ Night and Trinity Research Week.

As Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU, initiatives such as Libraries for Democracy demonstrate how Trinity is contributing to conversations about the values, institutions and shared knowledge that underpin European society.