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    Folger Shakespeare Library

    4.0 (99 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Afternoon tea in the Founders Room
    Christina B.

    Afternoon Tea: My friend and I enjoyed a classically British afternoon tea in the gorgeous historic Founders Room. We were in awe of the stained glass windows and thick tablecloths. I've had high tea in London and I think this one is overpriced, but I'd recommend it for a special occasion. The scones are mini, but I loved the delicate flavors of the asparagus tart. The library itself definitely has a wow factor, and they have British snacks available to purchase right outside in the coffee area! The Shakespeare galleries were designed in an authentic manner to match how viewers would experience galleries in Shakespeare's time.

    Outside
    Macy W.

    Gorgeous library very close to the capital building with a cafe, gift shop, and art/history exhibits. Free admission but $15 donation is highly recommended. Lots of tables to work or study. The food at Quill & Crumb cafe is very good!

    WOW
    Steve H.

    There's few places more beautiful in DC to sit and wait for your best friend who is always on your last nerve and making things impossibly difficult for no reason and was there before you but somehow still got there after you. At least I got to sit in that amazing upstairs lounge cafe area and talk up some other people also waiting on their late friends. Once we got inside the theater it was awesome. One thing I don't know anything about is Shakespeare, but evidently the theater is remodeled to look like some historic Shakespeare situation. Globe Hotel or something whatever, the guy who doesn't make good coffee sure has an amazing "library" (did I miss the books? I was there at night for a show) in the nation's capital. Highly recommend a visit.

    Mellanie F.

    Had a productive weekend here with my girlies. The pastries and coffee was really good! The only thing is the seating. Highly recommended getting there early to secure a table. The lady managing the area was a little rude, but gave grace because she was solo and seemed a bit overstimulated (which we felt as well). The library is also closed on the weekend, so that was a bummer. Attached my video below !

    Michelle S.

    My husband said the visit to this museum was the highlight of our trip! It is definitely an impressive collection. Entrance to the museum doesn't really stand out as it is below street level, so I was thankful for the signage directing you to the door. Apparently this museum was recently renovated and it is really nice inside. If you have Shakespeare fans in the family, it is a must see, as the collection is staggering. Admittance is free or you can opt to make a donation when you select your tickets. I personally enjoyed some of the other non-Shakespeare items the Folger's acquired that were on display, such as Wizard of Oz and Peter Rabbit, to name a few.

    Alexis B.

    The Folger recently reopened after a renovation, and I visited with friends a few weeks ago. The Folger contains the world's largest Shakespeare collection, so it's a must visit for Shakespeare lovers! Sadly, the Reading Room (one of the library's main draws, it's supposed to be beautiful) was closed for the day (for an event they were hosting). But we were able to visit the exhibition galleries and explore the building a bit! The library has a great cafe, as well. We learned a little about Shakespeare, had some fun at an interactive display or two, and bought a play from the gift shop. I'm definitely planning on returning to visit the Reading Room and see a performance (they produce plays and concerts in their theater space, which also looks beautiful)!

    Cafe
    Amanda F.

    Such a cute cafe for a museum and theater! Highly recommend sitting down, grabbing a pastry, and people watch! Very nice staff, and the museum is free!!

    Deb D.

    A book lovers dream destination! I have made many trips to DC but never had the time to visit the Folger Shakespeare library. The staff and volunteers are wonderful. Special shout out to docent Maureen! She is very kind and knowledgable. Greatly enjoyed my time in each gallery. Lots of books, manuscripts, and items to see. Washrooms are very nice. Gift shop is super cute. Reading room and main gallery are breathtaking! Looking forward to returning for a play on my next trip.

    Cyndy K.

    Cyndy's Bottom Line: All about Shakespeare and more. Hours: Sundays: 11am - 6pm* Mondays: Closed Tuesday and Wednesday: 11am - 6pm* Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 11am - 9pm *Free admission. with suggested donation *Timed entry online with a suggested donation. *Walk-in visitors as building capacity allows. *Limited street parking *Public transportation recommended. Near south capitol metro. +The Folger Shakespeare Library, which houses the world's largest Shakespeare collection, reopened after a four-year and 80 million dollar renovation. +A world-class collection and the works of William Shakespeare. +An amazing exhibit of The First Folio of Shakespeare, published in 1623. +Interesting exhibits and commissioned art work +See the newly commissioned light and paper, Cloud of Imagination sculpture by German artist Anke Neumann. *Highly recommend a visit.

    Temima N.

    This library was nice. Once I heard about it opening I had to check it out since I heard it was pretty inside. It's small & they're still working on parts of its old the cafe but some people were already studying or working in there so it's definitely functional. Not much of a book person but I could see a book lover appreciating this library.

    Alesia S.

    Visited for the first time last night to see the Where We Belong Show. The theater was beautiful and the staff were extremely helpful. The check in staff was able to reprint a friend's ticket when she was unable to find her QR code to scan in. I will definitely return to see other shows.

    Wizard of Oz book

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    1 year ago

    The portraits,, the interactive displays, the historical narratives, and the fascinating people I met there. !!

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    2 years ago

    What a perfect setting for a Shakespeare production! Not too large, Hood accoustics. Highly recommended.

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    Review Highlights - Folger Shakespeare Library

    The perfect place for Folger Theatre productions, readings, concerts, and student performances.

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    Library of Congress - Well attended Thursday happy hour

    Library of Congress

    4.7(607 reviews)
    0.2 miCapitol Hill

    Library of Congress -- A Living Monument to History…read more Few buildings in Washington, D.C. carry the weight of history as effortlessly as the Library of Congress. It is not merely a repository of books, but a living archive of the American story--one that reveals itself the moment you step inside. For visitors to the nation's capital, this is not optional--it is essential. The current exhibition, The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution, is particularly compelling. Through the intertwined narratives of George Washington and King George III, the exhibit captures a world on the brink--an undeclared nation edging toward war, a fragile cause facing overwhelming odds, and ultimately, the improbable path to independence. What makes this exhibition stand out is not just its historical scope, but its perspective. It does not present history as a foregone conclusion, but as a series of uncertain, high-stakes decisions made in real time. That tension--between inevitability and risk--is where the story comes alive. Accessible, visually engaging, and intellectually rewarding, this is an experience that resonates across generations. If you find yourself in Washington, make the time. Some places inform you. This one reminds you why the story matters.

    I have only visited the Library of Congress at a personal level a couple of times. Other visits…read morewere due to events/meetings there. If you are visiting D.C., I cannot stress the importance of a stop here. To this day, it remains the largest library in the world. Pretty impressive. It's also the oldest federal cultural institution. Periodicals, books, etc. available in over 470 languages. More than 178 million pieces of articles from manuscripts, recordings, photos, printed materials, to books and so on. Library acts as a source of research for Members of Congress and handles copyright laws. This building and all its components are an important part of our nation's history.

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    Library of Congress - 3/21/2019

    3/21/2019

    Library of Congress - Thomas Jefferson's Library

    Thomas Jefferson's Library

    Library of Congress - Library of Congress

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    Library of Congress

    Northeast Neighborhood Library

    Northeast Neighborhood Library

    4.4(16 reviews)
    0.5 miCapitol Hill

    The Northeast DC Library has such a special place in my heart. When I first moved to DC nearly 10…read moreyears ago, I lived two blocks away. I was funemployed for a few months and would stroll over, eat a bagel sandwich from the nearby Jacob's Coffee House, eat it at the outdoor tables under the beautiful trees, then head inside the library to explore books, magazines, and more. I'm a library person through and through so admittedly I love any library, but this one is truly a gem and so important to the neighborhood. I know that it is the fourth-oldest branch in DC and was fully renovated in 2014. There are several levels. The top floor is children and teen books and features board books, all sizes of tables for all sizes of humans, and some toys. Story time happens up there. It is nice that floor is separate so the families with young kids can feel more at ease. The main floor has, in addition to books, magazines, an area to pick up your reserve holds, lots of places to sit (the main reading room), and more. There is a half-floor between the main and upper floor featuring meeting rooms. I believe there is also a large meeting room in the basement that is used for events. And, a general note about DCPL! If you have a card, be sure that you also download the app. You can scan your barcode for self-checkout in person, and manage your library account easily from there. Accessibility: There is a ramp outside, on the right side, near the patio, and there are working elevators inside. So much love for this library. It is cozy, charming, and feels timeless. It will always be there for me, and for you.

    As libraries go this one is so enchanting. I love the building... the ambiance .... It's…read morenostalgic! And oddly beautiful.

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    Northeast Neighborhood Library
    Northeast Neighborhood Library
    Northeast Neighborhood Library

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    Southeast Neighborhood Library - Shoot from the back corner of the small sunny space

    Southeast Neighborhood Library

    4.1(14 reviews)
    0.5 miCapitol Hill

    Southeast Library is one of the smaller libraries in the DC Public Library system, but an advantage…read moreof that is it gives off more of a family, neighborhood vibe. It's right next to the Eastern Market Metro near Barracks Row and the actual historic Eastern Market. It's in a single building and most of the collection is on the ground level. They have DVDs, music, books and a decent children's section. They have wifi and computers to use if you need them. The bottom floors houses the bathrooms and once a month, they sell bargain books down there.

    Love this local library. The facilities are clean and bright, and it's usually busy enough to be…read morelively(some kids) but not so much that it's distracting(eg. Starbucks). Like other reviewers have pointed out, the computers are popular, so opt for a laptop if you've got one. I've always had good customer service here, and I'm usually just popping in for some quick read or a DVD right after work. They also have seminars, discussions, family programs, workshops, tax forms, etc downstairs. DC library in general: I also like to go to the website and reserve DVDs in a series in order to place on hold. Just remember when you pick up your DVDs to get them "unlocked" so you can actually watch them. And you can only renew them once. Also, MLK central library has the best selection of everything, but it's definitely a more urban library, and this place just has a nice neighborhood feel. **Correction on the hours: due to budget cuts, the library is CLOSED on Sundays. The rest of the hours remain the same. (MWFSat 9:30am-5:30pm, TTh 1-9pm) For those of us who work traditional 9-5s, I will see you Tuesday/Thursday night.

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    Southeast Neighborhood Library
    Southeast Neighborhood Library
    Southeast Neighborhood Library - Saturday book sale

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    Saturday book sale

    Watha T Daniel-Shaw Library - childrens area

    Watha T Daniel-Shaw Library

    3.7(29 reviews)
    1.9 miShaw

    I had driven past this library several times and today was the first time that I actually set foot…read moreinside. My plan was to go to a cafe further down Georgia Avenue and this place pooped-up again put of the corner of my eye. I need to work remotely today, and working from Starbucks has kind of run its course. I would give this public library a score of 10 out of 10 in terms of all of the things that are important when you are working remotely. It's modern and even the tables and chairs are up-to-date and comfortable. I would say this library has to have been constructed within the last ten years. It's quiet and there's no loud cafe music, which is surprising. There's a 7-11 right across the street, and this important for the most I vikis reasons. I e already been here three hours, and I will probably stay here until 6pm. I will see how the day goes and I am already thinking to make this a spot for me.

    I cant say enough how Wonderful DC libraries have become. Aside from having plenty of books,…read morenewspapers and magazines, they also have DVDs, printers, Internet access, meeting/study rooms, a fantastic amount of online services like newspapers, movies, Ancestry.com, childrens area, etc. When they are not too busy being a library, they also collect voting ballots, distribute COVID tests and masks etc. This location is fantastic, steps from the Metro. And they have great hours.

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    Watha T Daniel-Shaw Library
    Watha T Daniel-Shaw Library - Holds

    Holds

    Watha T Daniel-Shaw Library

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    Arena Stage - Step Afrika Holiday Show

    Arena Stage

    4.3(203 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    Arena is my favorite place to take in a play. The modern stone aesthetics with the loft overlooking…read morethe open cafe area is beautiful. Hana Sherif, the artistic director is tapping into so many amazing stories that capture the African American experience in America. The latest hit is Chez Joey which is here till 3/15/26. The play is a 10 out of 10. It's a love triangle story that takes place in 1940's Chicago at a jazz club. Joey is a young ambitious entertainer looking to make a name for himself and has to choose between true love or being bought by a rich baroness who can easily fund his dreams. The dancing and singing is electrifying and steamy, the story is told well and highly engaging. On Wednesdays they've added a complimentary jazz concert from 6:15 to 7pm that takes place in the lobby with seating. Check out Arena's lineup, they are procuring amazing work this season.

    This trip to Arena Stage was for Step Afrika Holiday show!…read more We picked up our tickets from the box office and explored some of the season decorations in the lobby. Took some quick pictures with the tree and the arches, then got our tickets scanned and went upstairs. Lots of pretty decorations for the season - one large Christmas tree and a bunch of smaller ones above glistening with white lights. The show was in the Fichandler Stage, which has seats 360 around it - not a bad seat in there! Step Afrika!'s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show was fabulous! They handed out maracas and other noise makers upon entering the theater. We were in Row D on the North Side, which was amazing seats! The show ran for 90 minutes without an intermission. What a show! The talent of these artists are top notch!! The rhythm, the choreography, the music, the energy, the skill, the talent, the props were so impressive! They get the audience part of the fun throughout the show with the noisemakers, chatting, dance battles, and even two opportunities to join them on the floor to learn some steps! This was my first time seeing this show and I certainly can see how it's a tradition year after year for so many. You can tell all the hard work and dedication of this cast! Bravo to them!

    Photos
    Arena Stage - Mezzanine view

    Mezzanine view

    Arena Stage - Chez Joey set

    Chez Joey set

    Arena Stage - Theater set up for Step Afrika holiday celebration

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    Theater set up for Step Afrika holiday celebration

    Folger Shakespeare Library - theater - Updated May 2026

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