A Shakespeare Library

Ava Cai

July 5, 2024

On Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the Folger Shakespeare Library is the home of 82 copies of Shakespear’s First Folio, making it the largest collection in the world. For decades, these priceless books have been locked in a vault and only accessible to a small number of “qualified” readers. However, years later, these books are finally exposed to the public, as they are being displayed behind a special case. 

The Folio is a collection of 36 Shakespearean plays that were published seven years after Shakespeare’s death. Their home, the Folger Shakespeare Library, was opened in 1932 by Henry and Emily Folger. This library was once dedicated to a handful of exceptional scholars, but is now a gift to every curious mind that is eager to learn about Shakespeare’s times through the lense of the world’s premier research collection. In 2016–the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death—the library sent a copy of the Folio to every state in the United States. The reactions from the American people were truly emotional, as people broke down in tears and proposed in front of the elaborate programs built around these books. 

Expecting more visitors compared to the 70,000 every year in previous decades, many agree that the building needs a more welcoming presentation. Thus, in replacement of a long marble facade, a beautiful garden path painted with a poem by Rita Dove stands gracefully to meet the pour of guests. Through the door, the first panel reads, “Shakespeare? He was then and there and he is here and now. Discoveries await!” From there, room to room is filled with the masterpieces of Shakespeare along with the famous figures of his time, including a portrait of Elizabeth I by George Gowers and archival materials relating to Ira Aldridge. The galleries also showcase artifacts, created by artists whom have drawn inspiration from Shakespeare himself—including artist Mya Gosling. Other items represent weird ways in which Shakespeare has transformed culture—an example referring to a poster from a 1853 production of “The Taming of the Shrew”. 

In front of the Folio display itself, staff members of the library demonstrate the working of a 17th century press. They line up corrected pages along with faulty ones and bound the pages together in inconsistent combinations. This was done to demonstrate that no two copies look exactly alike. Greg Prickman, the director of collections, emphasized the importance of this library as it brings together not one Folio, but many together to create a masterpiece.