Shakespeare Library, Folger << FOHL juhr, >> an independent library in Washington, D.C., houses one of the world’s most important collections of books by and about William Shakespeare. The library also holds collections on Britain (now the United Kingdom) for the period from the mid-1400’s to the mid-1700’s. In addition to research functions, the library also provides a large number of interpretive programs for the public.
Henry Clay Folger, a former president of the Standard Oil Company of New York, founded the library in 1930. He left his fortune for the trustees of Amherst College to administer toward the development of a great research library. Scholars from all parts of the world come to the Folger Shakespeare Library for research in Shakespeare studies, history, and literature. The library building, a magnificent marble structure, was completed in 1932.
