Bill Summary – FastDemocracy

ENROLLED ORIGINAL

                               A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

                                             25-216

                   IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

                                           May 7, 2024

To recognize and honor the Folger Shakespeare Library, on the occasion of its reopening, for its

       continued efforts to preserve and celebrate the timeless works of William Shakespeare, and

       for its unwavering commitment to enriching the lives of countless individuals through the

       exploration of literature, history, and the arts in the District.

       WHEREAS, the Folger Shakespeare Library, located on Capitol Hill, opened in 1932;

       WHEREAS, the Folger Shakespeare Library was founded by Henry Clay Folger and Emily

Jordan Folger, after decades of amassing the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare materials

and working closely with architect Paul Philippe Cret to create a marble building which reads like

a book, and whose placement testified to the hope that the District would become the nation’s civic

and cultural capital;

       WHEREAS, the Folger Shakespeare Library has undergone a major $80.5 million

renovation project to expand public space, improve accessibility, and provide a unique and

engaging experience for visitors of all ages;

        WHEREAS, the transformed Folger Shakespeare Library, reopening on Friday, June 21,

2024, will welcome visitors to new and reimagined spaces, including exhibition halls, a learning

lab, lush gardens, and enhanced amenities such as a café and gift shop;

         WHEREAS, the reopening of the Folger Shakespeare Library represents a golden

opportunity to reintroduce itself to local, national, and international communities, showcasing the

vast cultural resources and experiences it offers, thanks to the dedicated work and commitment of

its staff and supporters;

        WHEREAS, the Folger Shakespeare Library's newly designed exhibition spaces, including

the Shakespeare Exhibition Hall and the Stuart and Mimi Rose Rare Book and Manuscript

Exhibition Hall, provide a sanctuary for the renowned Shakespeare First Folios, inviting visitors

of all backgrounds to embark on a journey of discovery and explore the profound impact of

Shakespeare's works on our contemporary world;

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                                                                       ENROLLED ORIGINAL

       WHEREAS, the Folger Shakespeare Library has consulted with a diverse cross-section of

the community, aiming to create a sense of belonging and inspiration for all who enter its doors,

and to promote accessibility to cultural resources and experiences for all individuals, families,

students, artists, and tourists alike;

       WHEREAS, the new and reimagined gardens at the Folger Shakespeare Library, featuring

native plants and those mentioned by Shakespeare himself, provide an inviting and relaxing

environment for visitors, complemented by a new poem inscribed in marble by Rita Dove and the

captivating artwork of contemporary artists such as Fred Wilson and Anke Neumann;

       WHEREAS, with the reopening of the Folger Shakespeare Library on June 21, 2024, the

Folger Shakespeare Library's thematic alignment of programming, exhibitions, performances, and

humanities ensures a rich and immersive experience for all who attend, fostering a deeper

connection between art and history; and

       WHEREAS, the Folger Shakespeare Library's dedication to research and education

continues with the establishment of study rooms and collaborative research spaces, providing

scholars, researchers, and educators with unprecedented access to rare materials, and a welcoming

reading room designed to inspire intellectual pursuits.

        RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this

resolution may be cited as the “Folger Shakespeare Library Reopening Recognition Resolution of

2024”.

         Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors the Folger

Shakespeare Library, on the occasion of its reopening, for its continued efforts to preserve and

celebrate the timeless works of William Shakespeare, and for its unwavering commitment to

enriching the lives of countless individuals through the exploration of literature, history, and the

arts in the District.

       Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

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