About the collection
The Library of Birmingham’s (LoB) Shakespeare Collection is the first Shakespeare library in the world and one of the biggest resources for Shakespeare studies.
The collection is one of the Library of Birmingham’s most important cultural treasures with more than 100,000 items, including:
- books
- production posters and photographs
- scrapbooks
- illustrations
In effect, the collection belongs to the citizens of Birmingham.
In 1864, the ‘Our Shakespeare Club’ was instrumental in proposing a Shakespeare library in the city to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth.
Rather than commissioning a statue or portrait of Shakespeare, the club decided that a living celebration such as a library would encourage educational and cultural progress in Birmingham.
Explore the collection
The Everything to Everybody project has created an overview of the Shakespeare Collection:
Download the collection overview PDF with images
You can search for items from the collection using:
- The Archives and Collections catalogue
Search the Archives and Collections Catalogue (calmview)
You can also navigate the collection using the collection browser.
- The general library catalogue
Search the general library catalogue (spydus)
You can also view items from the collection in person.
To check if you need to make an appointment to view your chosen items, email us at: archives.appointments@birmingham.gov.uk.
Find out more about how to access the Shakespeare Collection.
The Works of Shakespeare, Birmingham, 1768. S176.8:
Page last updated: 23 October 2023
