USC library to display 1623 Shakespeare First Folio in 2016

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A 1623 edition of the first collection of William Shakespeare’s plays is going on display at a University of South Carolina library sometime in 2016.

The exact dates will be announced in April. The exhibit of the so-called “First Folio” is lasting a month.

Dean of University Libraries Tom McNally says the event celebrates the 400th year of Shakespeare’s death and offers students the chance to learn why Shakespeare is regarded as the greatest writer in the English language.

The exhibit is traveling to 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. It is sponsored by the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., the Cincinnati Museum Center and the American Library Association.

The folio includes 36 plays including “The Tempest,” ”Macbeth” and “As You Like It.”