Folger Shakespeare Library: Advancing Knowledge and the Arts on Capitol Hill
What's in a library? A library by any other name would be as sweet, but perhaps not as well-visited, as the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington. Dedicated by name to the famous English writer and filled with collections of Shakespeare's writing, the Folger Shakespeare Library also houses thousands of works from the Renaissance era and early modern age. The Folger aims to further people's appreciation and understanding of Shakespeare.
The library is located a block from Capitol Hill, due east of the Library of Congress and was founded by Henry Clay Folger in 1932. It is managed by his alma mater, Amherst College, and was started with his and his wife's vast collection of Shakespeare. The Library is a research center dedicated to studying liberal arts of the Renaissance period and before. About a quarter of researchers at the Folger focus on projects about Shakespeare, while the remaining experts study works of early subjects such as theater history, Protestant reformation, science history, Italian drama, law, English poets and related subjects.
The library is housed inside a white marble building designed by Paul Philippe Cret. The structure features Shakespeare bas-reliefs along the facade and Shakespeare inscriptions and quotes all around the exterior. Also outside is the Elizabethan Garden, with sculptures representing characters and themes in eight Shakespeare plays.
The interior is designed in Tudor England style with oak paneling, high ceilings and ornamental floor tile, including pictures of the comedy/ tragedy masks. Named spaces include the Old Reading room, the Elizabethan Theatre, the Great Hall, the Founders' Room, Board Room and Tea Room. Tours led by docents are available. If you can't make it down to see the exquisite art yourself, you can take a virtual tour online.
And even though Shakespeare is some of the oldest English literature around, it too has reached the 21st century through a digital photography lab, an interactive touchscreen display for kids, video podcasts and online catalog of all of Folger's manuscripts.
The library boasts the country's largest collection of Shakespeare materials, including its own Folger Editions of Shakespeare's plays. Many events are held at the library for schools, kids and families, and the general public, including productions, early music concerts, lectures, readings and exhibitions. Check the Folger Shakespeare Library online calendar for upcoming events. Folger also hosts the Teaching Shakespeare Institute, a high school fellowship program, and student performance festivals.
Posted on Jan 30, 2011 by Rin-rin Yu
