Folger Shakespeare Library
The Folger Shakespeare Library is an independent research library on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., United States. It has the world's largest collection of the printed works of William Shakespeare, and is a primary repository for rare materials from the early modern period (1500–1750) in Britain and Europe. The library was established by Henry Clay Folger in association with his wife, Emily Jordan Folger. It opened in 1932, two years after his death.
The Folger Shakespeare Library reading room with one of Shakespeare's First Folios in the foreground
Paul Philippe Cret's original designs for the east facade of the Folger Shakespeare Library, early 1930s
Exterior of Folger Shakespeare Library
An angled view down East Capitol Street with the dome of the US Capitol in the distance
A research library is a library that contains an in-depth collection of material on one or several subjects. A research library will generally include an in-depth selection of materials on a particular topic or set of topics and contain primary sources as well as secondary sources. Research libraries are established to meet research needs and, as such, are stocked with authentic materials with quality content. Research libraries are typically attached to academic or research institutions that specialize in that topic and serve members of that institution. Large university libraries are considered research libraries, and often contain many specialized branch research libraries. The libraries provide research materials for students and staff of these organizations to use and can also publish and carry literature produced by these institutions and make them available to others. Research libraries could also be accessible to members of the public who wish to gain in-depth knowledge on that particular topic.
The Library of Congress is one of the largest research libraries in the world.
Artifacts from the Library of Ashurbanipal, established in the 7th century BC in present-day Iraq
The Sistine Hall of the Vatican Library, Vatican City
Widener Library at Harvard University is one of the largest research libraries in the world.