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Libraries for Democracy Series of Events During Ireland's EU Presidency 2026

As part of Ireland's hosting of the EU Presidency, we are promoting the theme of Libraries under the banner of a 'Libraries for Democracy' series. A programme of talks and events will explore the role of libraries, knowledge and open dialogue in supporting democratic societies.

The inaugural event organised by the Library of Trinity College Dublin in collaboration with the Trinity Long Room Hub Arts & Humanities Research Institute will take place on Friday, 25 September 2026 featuring a keynote address by EU Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Mairead McGuinness, followed by a panel discussion moderated by the Librarian and College Archivist, Helen Shenton with special guests.

Panellists include:

  • Director of the National Library of Latvia, Dagnija Baltiņa
  • Secretary General of LIBER (Association of European Research Libraries), Anja Smit
  • Director of National Archives of Ireland, Orlaith McBride
  • Head of Libraries Development for the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) in Ireland, Stuart Hamilton

All are welcome, click to book. The event forms part of the Trinity Arts & Humanities Research Festival and European Researcher's Night during Trinity's Research Week.

Finding Swift: Satire, Power and Gulliver's Travels

Satire is designed, not just to entertain, but to challenge and expose the absurdities that sustain power. Gulliver's Travels was the sharpest satire of its time, challenging notions of power, war, colonialism, scientific arrogance and human vanity. Nowadays, however, the work is mostly understood as a children's story. How, and why, did this happen? And are we missing out by overlooking the significance of Jonathan Swift's original message?

As part of the 'Libraries for Democracy series', this event brings together perspectives from across disciplines to explore these questions and consider the enduring role of satire in challenging power. From Swift's eighteenth century to the present day, we will ask how satire can make us question the world around us and what role libraries can play in creating spaces for encountering, debating and challenging ideas.

Join us for an exploration of Gulliver's Travels, satire and the relationship between knowledge, power and democracy on Wednesday, 28 October, 2026 4pm-6pm, Trinity Long Room Hub Arts & Humanities Research Institute.  All are welcome, registration details to follow.

Speakers include:

  • Dr Pádraic Whyte (TCD, School of English)
  • Jessica Traynor (Irish Poet)
  • Jamie Murphy (The Salvage Press)

The Annual Edmund Burke Lecture

The Annual Edmund Burke Lecture organised by the Trinity Long Room Hub Arts & Humanities Research Institute which celebrates Trinity's strong connection to the 18th-century philosopher, historian and politician Edmund Burke takes place on Thursday 12 November, 2026. The guest speaker this year is Dame Louise Richardson, President of the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. Registration details to follow on TLRH website.

Preserving Digital Cultural Heritage: Building Resilience in an Age of Disruption

A panel discussion will take place on Friday 20 November 2-4pm in the Trinity Long Room Hub Arts & Humanities Research Institute. All are welcome, registration details to follow.