The Folger Shakespeare Library, located in Washington, D.C., is a renowned research and cultural institution dedicated to the study, preservation, and dissemination of William Shakespeare's works and early modern English literature. Established in 1932 by Henry Clay Folger and his wife Emily Jordan Folger, the library serves as both a research center and a public museum.
As a research center, the Folger Shakespeare Library houses an extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, and other archival materials related to Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Its collection includes the world's largest assemblage of Shakespeare's printed works, including 82 copies of the First Folio, the first comprehensive collection of Shakespeare's plays published in 1623. Scholars from around the globe visit the library to access these invaluable resources for scholarly research and study.
In addition to its research mission, the Folger Shakespeare Library is committed to making Shakespeare accessible to the general public. It offers a diverse range of educational and cultural programs, including lectures, exhibitions, theatrical performances, and teacher training workshops. The library also runs a popular theater company that stages productions of Shakespeare's plays, showcasing the enduring relevance and brilliance of his works.
Overall, the Folger Shakespeare Library serves as a major hub for Shakespearean scholarship and a vital cultural institution that promotes the understanding and appreciation of William Shakespeare's literary and theatrical legacy.
