When did the Folger Shakespeare Library open to the public?
The library opened on the 23rd of April 1932. This date was chosen because it is believed to be Shakespeare's birth date.
Questions about Folger Shakespeare Library
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who designed the main building of the Folger Shakespeare Library and when was construction completed?
Paul Philippe Cret designed the main building with a white marble exterior featuring nine carved reliefs from Shakespeare plays. The cornerstone was laid in May 1930, but Henry Clay Folger died shortly after that event before completion.
How many copies of the First Folio does the Folger Shakespeare Library hold compared to other libraries worldwide?
The library holds 82 copies of the 1623 First Folio out of only 235 known surviving examples worldwide. Over 200 quartos of individual Shakespeare plays make up another major part of the collection alongside these rare books.
What educational programs does the Folger Shakespeare Library offer for teachers and students today?
Educational outreach began in the early 1970s with programs designed for K-12 teachers and students including workshops and fellowships. The Emily Jordan Folger Children's Shakespeare Festival allows elementary students to perform every spring since 1980 while the Teaching Shakespeare Institute started as an intensive four-week summer study program in 1984.
When did the Folger Shakespeare Library reopen after its recent renovation project?
The library reopened on the 21st of June 2024 after major renovations closed it to daytime visitors since January 2020. New features include a learning lab outdoor gardens featuring a Juliet balcony and reimagined great hall cafe called Quill Crumb.