North Yorkshire libraries are joining in the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death and will highlight his life and work through a range of events and activities around 23 April, the national day of celebration that marks both the playwright’s birthday and the day of his death.
Across North Yorkshire libraries there will be book displays, quotation trails, competitions and the chance to take shelfies (library selfies) with Shakespearian insults!
Among the day’s highlights, young volunteers at Skipton will be generating Shakespearian phrases, devising a Shakespeare book hunt and staging an “end of the pier” photo booth for “Shakespearian insult shelfies”. They will also help customers to use a name generator website to discover their Shakespearean character name.
Harrogate library is working with the Mercer Gallery and showcasing three Tudor costumes and over in Crosshills there’s the chance to take the stage for five minutes to read your favourite two to five lines from Shakespeare. Tudor costume is optional. Contact the library to sign up for a slot.
Taking centre stage in Northallerton, the library is delighted to present genuine Shakespearean relics. See part of a pew from Shakespeare’s local church – wood that his bottom may have touched! There’s also a piece of the mulberry tree planted by Shakespeare outside New Place in Stratford.
County Councillor Chris Metcalfe, Executive Member for Library and Information Services, said: “William Shakespeare is one of the greatest of Britons and he continues to have huge cultural importance 400 years after his death. It’s great that libraries are promoting Shakespeare and introducing a new, young audience to his work. They are doing it in a fun way, too… what could be better than learning a few choice Shakespearean sayings? So, get down to a library on 23 April.”