Shakespeare's Globe has opened a new research centre on its Bankside site, which it states is London's only dedicated Shakespeare library and archive accessible to the public. The Research and Collections Centre holds over 6,000 books on Shakespeare, early modern literature, and drama, alongside the theatre's archive of past productions.
The collection includes nearly 500 plays, poems, and other works from the 16th and 17th centuries, notably a second folio edition of Shakespeare's complete works published in 1632. Entry to the centre is free, though those wishing to consult the collections must register and book an appointment in advance due to the nature of the material.
Dr Will Tosh, who leads higher education and research at the Globe, expressed pride in the initiative, stating, "In a time when libraries tend not to open, they tend to close, and we're in a real crisis of library provision and also a crisis of reading, I'm extremely proud at the Globe that we are putting our name and our energy into the importance of books and libraries." The centre opened to researchers on 22 September and to the public two days later.