• The digitised papers include diaries, postcards and photographs relating to Tom Clarke and James Connolly will be available in January 2016, followed by Seán MacDiarmada and Thomas MacDonagh in February, concluding with the papers of Patrick Pearse and Joseph Plunkett in March 2016.  A selection of papers and photographs relating to Éamonn Ceannt and his family is available online here: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000243484
• ‘Inspiration Proclamation’ - a series of public interviews with major figures on themes of the Proclamation and their relevance for Ireland in 2016 and beyond
• ‘Readings from the Rising’, a series of performances of literary work accompanied by music and staged throughout our historic buildings;
•  ‘Rising’: a flagship photographic exhibition in the National Photographic Archive;
• ‘Signatories’: an exhibition in the NLI’s Kildare Street building, which will present selected documents related to the seven signatories; and much more.

Paul Shovlin, Chair of the National Library’s Board said: “In 1916, the National Library was an intellectual and social hub at the heart of Ireland and is proud to take its place in the centenary events 100 years later, through a programme built around our unparalleled collections. We are delighted to contribute to the commemorations by cataloguing and digitising materials that tell the story of 1916, commencing with the seven signatories of the Proclamation.”

Dr Sandra Collins, Director of the National Library, added: “At the heart of the National Library’s plans for 2016 is our core mission: collecting and making available Irish memory and heritage for people everywhere. Our 1916 programme is ambitious and includes digitisation, exhibitions and events, and I am delighted that we will be adding to our archive of the Irish internet by capturing websites related to the commemorations for people to explore as a record of this momentous year.”

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys, TD, said: “The National Library plays such a fundamental role in helping us to connect and remember our past.  The release of the 1916 Digital Collections by the National Library is sure to be a great resource to individuals and groups across the State and beyond who want to mark 1916, or to simply reflect on it. The breadth of material that has been digitised and will be made available online is astounding and represents a hugely valuable record of events leading up to and including the Easter Rising.

“I would like to congratulate the Library on a wonderful and thoughtful 2016 programme of events – which I’m sure will engage and enrich all of those who take part in it, including schools, community organisations, academics and researchers, the culturally curious and lifelong learners of all ages. As one of our nation’s key cultural institutions, the National Library of Ireland - in its physical buildings and online – will be a hub of activity as we mark the centenary of 1916.”