Four National Libraries launch new Ireland-UK cross-islands collaboration

Following an announcement in Cork by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan, and Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts Ian Murray, the project was named among several Ireland-UK cultural initiatives supported by a €5 million investment under the Programme.

The National Library of Ireland, the National Library of Scotland, the National Library of Wales and the British Library safeguard the printed and recorded heritage of our nations. By working together, the four institutions will build on their longstanding relationships and create a shared programme that helps people to discover the stories that link us across time and place

The programme brings together collections, staff expertise and community voices across three strands of work:

• Joint programming and curation, including shared exhibitions, digital experiences and public events that highlight both the distinctiveness of each nation and the deep connections between them.
• Professional exchange and development, creating opportunities for staff at all career stages to share knowledge and shape common standards across preservation, digitisation, research, learning and public engagement.
• Joint research and policy initiatives in areas such as digital discovery, sustainability, ethics, inclusion, climate transition and the responsible use of AI. 

Over the next four years, the partnership will create shared discovery frameworks, establish community advisory panels, and develop multilingual and accessible content. This will support wider public engagement and ensure that people everywhere can explore the collections and narratives that connect these islands.

Dr Audrey Whitty, Director, National Library of Ireland

‘This collaboration allows us to share stories that cross borders, deepen understanding and create new vibrant ways for people to engage with our respective national collections.”

Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, Chief Executive, National Library of Wales

“This partnership celebrates the cultural and linguistic diversity of these islands while widening access to Welsh heritage and voices.”

Amina Shah, National Librarian and Chief Executive, National Library of Scotland

“Our shared histories are so intrinsic to our culture that many of us living in these islands might be unaware of how deep they truly are. Working together will help us bring these stories to life for more people in more places.”

Dr Jeremy Silver, Interim Chief Executive, British Library

“By aligning our expertise in digital access and innovation, we can strengthen research, creativity and public engagement across all four nations.”

Notes to editors

About Across These Islands: Shared Histories, Shared Futures
The initiative is a four‑year collaboration between the National Library of Ireland, National Library of Scotland, National Library of Wales and the British Library. Its core objectives include:

• Illuminating the interconnected histories, languages and cultures of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England.
• Co‑creating inclusive narratives with communities across all nations.
• Expanding digital discovery and open access through shared standards and infrastructure.
• Strengthening sector resilience through joint training and knowledge exchange.
• Advancing collaborative research in sustainability, ethics, digitisation and AI.
• Supporting multilingual delivery in English, Gaeilge, Cymraeg and Gàidhlig.

The programme office is hosted by the National Library of Ireland.