Trinity College to rename library after poet Eavan Boland

Boland was one of the foremost women in Irish literature, publishing many collections of poetry, a memoir,  Object Lessons (1995), as well as teaching and lecturing in Ireland and in the US.

The decision to rename the library in her honour was made on Wednesday by the university board following public consultation.

In April 2023, the university announced the continued use of Berkeley’s name on its main library was "inconsistent" with its core values.

The world-renowned philosopher, and former librarian at Trinity, published some of his most important philosophical works while at the university in the 1700s. 

However, according to Trinity, he also bought slaves — named Philip, Anthony, Edward, and Agnes Berkeley — to work on his Rhode Island estate in 1730 to 1731 and sought to advance ideology in support of slavery.

Trinity provost Dr Linda Doyle said: “It is a fitting recognition of Eavan Boland’s poetic genius that our main library, used by so many students and staff, will now carry her name.”

Eavan’s poetry is well known across the generations, and her outstanding artistic contribution to highlighting the role of women in Irish society is widely appreciated.

"I want to sincerely thank everyone who participated in the process that has led us to today’s decision. 

"It was marked by broad consultation and very thoughtful conversations.” 

Helen Shenton, librarian and college archivist at Trinity, said: “As a 21st century library, the name change to this unique library building prioritises the current generation of students’ experience of a welcoming and supportive library space.”

"Under its new name, it will provide an inclusive and inspirational space for generations of students to come, bolstered now by Eavan Boland’s scholarly and feminist reputation.”