Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
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Contact: Communications and Development
FREE LIBRARY CELEBRATES VALENTINE’S DAY WITH SPECIAL EVENTS FOR YEAR OF THE BARD: SHAKESPEARE AT 450
OTHER FREE LIBRARY OF L’AMOUR OFFERINGS INCLUDE SPEED DATING AND A ROMANCE AUTHORS PANEL
PHILADELPHIA, January 15, 2014: The Free Library’s Year of the Bard: Shakespeare at 450, presented with the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre and other regional cultural organizations, takes a turn for the romantic just in time for Valentine’s Day. In addition to dozens of Year of the Bard events offered this winter—from reading groups and workshops to performances and lectures—here are just a few that will set your Shakespearian heart thumping:
Shakespeare in Love: Poetry Valentines | Saturday, February 8 at 1:00 p.m. Parkway Central Library, Print and Picture Collection, 2nd Floor, 1901 Vine Street
Children, teens, and families will combine Shakespearean quotes with art to make their own Valentines.
Revolution Shakespeare presents Love's Labour's Won: An Evening of Sonnets and Scenes for Valentine's Day | Tuesday, February 11 at 8:00 p.m. | Off-Broad Street Theatre, 1636 Sansom Street, Philadelphia |Tickets: $5
Love's Labour's Won will be a night of poetry, music, and song featuring some of Shakespeare's most beautiful sonnets and romantic scenes.
Hands-On Tour: Love Letters | Friday, February 14 and Sunday, February 16 at 3:00 p.m.| The Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation | 2008-2010 Delancey Place, Philadelphia | Tickets: General admission plus $5
From the aching yearnings of poet John Keats for his beloved Fanny Brawne, to a 19th century forgery of William Shakespeare “writing” to his wife Anne Hathaway, the Rosenbach is home to a variety of love letters. Join us for this rare peek into some of the most personal and emotional writing in our collections. Advanced registration is strongly recommended. Visit rosenbach.org or call 215-732-1600.
For a full listing of all Year of the Bard events, visit freelibrary.org/bard. Events are being added daily. And don’t forget to check the page in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day for a Shakespearean Soulmate infographic quiz from the Free Library!
If the Bard isn’t your bag, the Free Library of L’Amour is offering up a bevy of other events for Valentine’s Day, including:
Showing the Love to Our Four-Legged Heroes: Dogs that Make Our Lives Better | Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. | Free | Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street
Dogs ensure our well-being every day. They work with the military, police and fire departments, and other agencies to protect us, to detect dangerous and illegal compounds, and to provide search and rescue. They are used in therapy; they assist people with disabilities; and they are trusted companions. Learn about working dogs and watch them demonstrate how they make our lives safer and more fulfilling.
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The 54-location Free Library of Philadelphia system advances literacy, guides learning, and inspires curiosity with millions of digital and physical materials; 25,000 yearly programs and workshops; free public computers and extensive Wi-Fi; and rich special collections, including those at Parkway Central Library and at The Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation. The combined holdings of these renowned collections—which include hundreds of thousands of rare books, manuscripts, and ephemera—inspire unique exhibitions and programs throughout the year. With more than 6 million in-person and 9 million online visits annually, the Free Library and The Rosenbach are among the most widely used educational and cultural institutions in Philadelphia and boast a worldwide impact.
02/05/2014
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850