Shakespeare takes over libraries for 400th ‘deathiversary’

To celebrate the anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth and death, the UB Libraries will hold a Shakespeare Read-A-Thon, where UB faculty, staff and students can read passages from their favorite plays and sonnets by the playwright.

Interested orators can attend the event from 2-5 p.m. April 21 in the lobby of Lockwood Memorial Library, North Campus. No registration is required.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the UB Libraries and the university community to ‘get our Shakespeare on’ and celebrate the life of The Bard,” says Denise Wolfe, the event’s coordinator.

The Read-A-Thon is a part of the Bvffalo Bard 2016, a year of performances, exhibits and conferences that honor the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

The ‘deathiversary’ celebration also features Shakespeare-themed exhibits at each of the campus libraries.

Some of the themed library exhibits, which open today, include:

• Robert L. Brown History of Medicine Collection: Examine 16th-century surgical instruments that were used during the period Shakespeare wrote his plays.
• Charles B. Sears Law Library: Play “Canst thou Spot the Issues?” and test your knowledge on an issue spotter law exam based on select Shakespeare plays.
• Science and Engineering Information Center and Map Collection: Explore scientific discovery and thinking that existed in the age of Shakespeare.
• Special Collections: Behold Thomas Lockwood’s 17th century, rare editions of Shakespeare’s works. By appointment only; call 645-2918.
• Multimedia Collection and Services: Enjoy a showcase of Shakespeare’s plays and documentaries on his legacy.
• Music Library: View 19th-century broadsides advertising performances of Shakespeare plays and operas.
• UB Libraries website: Watch dozens of Shakespeare’s plays, all produced between 1978 and 1985.