The Library Foundation and Los Angeles Public Library are on a quest to explore what influential works of literature mean to Southern Californians today.

In 2016, America’s Shakespeare: The Bard Goes West debuted in the Central Library’s Getty Gallery in downtown Los Angeles. Open November 2016 to February 2017, this new exhibit builds on the Folger Shakespeare Library’s exhibition, America’s Shakespeare, for an exclusive look at some of the Folger’s collection- ranging from original manuscripts of Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman to a 19th century pamphlet employing the Bard’s perceived influence to promote a brand of sewing machines. In conjunction with this exhibit, a myriad of Shakespeare-themed events will take place throughout the city including ALOUD programs on the presentation and adaptation of Shakespeare for the 21st century stage, exclusive receptions for Library Foundation Members, and dozens of events and performance for all ages at neighborhood branches.

America’s Shakespeare: The Bard Goes West was made possible by the generosity of:

  • Judith Krantz
  • Judith Kamins
  • David Schriger
  • Dwight and Julie Anderson
  • Debi and Norris Bishton
  • Darren Jackson and Tatiana Small
  • The Honorable R. Carlton Seaver and Laura Stern
  • Gwen Miller
  • Robert Dawson
  • Susan O’Connor