Colm TóibínIrish author Colm Tóibín will speak at Boston's Central Library in Copley Square on March 17 as part of the BPL's Author Talk Series. The 12 p.m. talk in the Abbey Room will be held in collaboration with the Consulate General of Ireland. Tóibín is the author of eight novels, including The Master, Nora Webster, and two collections of stories. His novel Brooklyn was recently made into a film starring Academy Award nominee Saoirse Ronan.

“St. Patrick’s Day in the City of Boston holds a special place in my life,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh in a statement. “It is a festive celebration of Irish culture, and we are fortunate to have such a talented writer coming to visit the Boston Public Library on this occasion. We welcome Colm Tóibín and I encourage the people of Boston to take a moment to stop by and hear about his work."

“We welcome Colm Tóibín to the Boston Public Library for this special St. Patrick’s Day author talk and are grateful to the Consulate General of Ireland for their work to bring this to fruition,” said Boston Public Library Interim President David Leonard. “The talk promises to be a wonderful opportunity for the audience to learn more about his works and career as a bestselling author, during this year of great significance to members of the Irish community at home and abroad.”

Consul General of Ireland, Fionnuala Quinlan said: “We are delighted that Colm Tóibín agreed to give a reading in Boston to mark St. Patrick’s Day. He will read from Brooklyn, a moving story of emigration, love, and loss, which will have particular resonance for a Boston audience.”