Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Rare Book Department: Meet the First Folio
Rare Book Department at Parkway Central Library
The First Folio of William Shakespeare, printed in 1623 (seven years after Shakespeare’s death), is one of the most iconic titles in the English language. It was the first publication of nearly 20 of his plays, including The Tempest and Macbeth, and without it, those plays would not have survived.
But our copy of book is particularly special as it contains unusual handwritten notes and marks in the margins by a former reader. In 2019, scholars identified that former reader as the English poet John Milton. Since then, the book has drawn interest from researchers and enthusiasts alike.
This open house event gives visitors the opportunity to view the First Folio, including watching pages be turned to show some of Milton’s notes, along with books related to Milton, such as a first edition of Paradise Lost.
2024 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Rare Book Department. To celebrate this anniversary, the Rare Book Department will offer extended evening hours until 8:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month, and a free behind-the-scenes, sneak peek program to interested visitors from 6:30 p.m.to 7:30 p.m. Click here for an updated schedule of events.
Rare Book Department
Third Floor
215-686-5416
Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine Street (between 19th and 20th Streets on the Parkway)
Philadelphia, PA 19103
1-833-TALK FLP (825-5357)