I am the first on to admit that I am a nerd. I love the library. In the last couple of weeks, I've been to the Library of Congress twice (the LOC as I fondly call it) and to Folger Shakespeare Library.
The Shakespeare Library is a rare treat. Only really smart people that are studying Shakespeare and that time period can use the library and there are a bunch of hoops to jump through before one is even allowed in. They have a few exhibits open to the general public and a theater (that looks like the Globe) where Shakespearean related events are performed.
My classmate and I went to interview one of the people that is employed at the library for a class project. He was super smart and talked our ears off for about an hour (which makes the project that much easier), but afterwards he gave us a tour. We were so excited.
He took us through the offices and then into the main reading room which was modeled after a mansion in England. It was a long hall with dark wood and book cases floor to ceiling. There was a balcony level and stain glass representing scenes from As You Like It and the crests of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. (Here's a picture from the Folger website http://www.folger.edu/imgdtl.cfm?imageid=775&cid=1326) He also took us to the card catalog room and the meeting room (which looked like a dinning room). In this room was the ticket that Mr. Folger used to see Ralph Waldo Emerson give a speech on Shakespeare that initiated Folger's desire to collect all things Shakespeare. Folger apparently kept everything - tickets, receipts, catalogs, etc. - which makes it really easy for researchers today.
Library school rocks!!!
http://www.folger.edu/index.cfm
