Family Friendly Fun at Folger Shakespeare Library Reopening

After a multi-year renovation, Capitol Hill’s Folger Shakespeare Library recently announced the release of timed-entry passes for the general public for its grand reopening at 1 p.m. Friday.

Available for reservation at a pay-what-you-will rate, visitors can book these passes here. While entry to the Folger Shakespeare Library is free, a $15 donation is suggested to enable the library to manage operation costs to ensure it remains accessible to all. 

An independent research library on Washington D.C.’s Capitol Hill, the Folger has the world’s largest collection of the printed works of William Shakespeare, among other rarities. And though that might perk the ears of bibliophiles, English majors and other lovers of literature, readers of all ages can find something to explore.

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The Folger presents parents with ways to bring Shakespeare’s world to life for children in a manner that is simple yet enjoyable. One such opportunity comes on the day of the reopening on Friday, June 21.

The Library is spearheading two separate events for little ones: a Decoder Trail game for children visiting the galleries and a Discovery Trail game for very young children. 

Expanding its reach—and the accessibility of Shakespeare’s world—to people of all ages, Folger is also offering various creativity-centric and curiosity-piquing events such as Printing with Light, Shake Up Your Shakespeare and Explore the First Folio.

To keep these events organized for all to enjoy, the timed-entry-passes allow families to choose an arrival time, after which they can stay in the exhibits as long as they like. 

This system will ensure “visitors are afforded the space to really explore all the incredible objects and activities built into the exhibition halls,” says Folger’s chief financial officer, Ruth Taylor Kidd, in a news release.

Timed entry will also be available beyond the reopening. On busy days, guests with passes will gain expedited entry into the building without a wait.  

For more information about the Folger and details about the grand opening, visit folger.edu. Parents can access Folger resources to help make the world and works of Shakespeare accessible and enjoyable for their children here.