King’s College London Professor to Lead Folger Shakespeare Library
Professor Farah Karim-Cooper from King’s Department of English has been named as the new director of the Folger Shakespeare Library and will be the first person of colour to head the institution.
Professor Karim-Cooper’s role, which commences in October 2024, will be to develop the Folger’s vision and build on its work. Since its founding in 1932, it has expanded its mission, developed a theatre programme and education wing, and introduced scholarly programmes and fellowships through its research wing.
Having spent 20 years as a Shakespeare scholar at the Globe and then at King’s since 2020 here in the heart of London, I have had the opportunity to learn so much about creating public programmes and making scholarly endeavours accessible. I look forward to leading the Folger as it embarks on this exciting new adventure and can’t wait to get started!
Professor Farah Karim-Cooper, Globe Professor of Shakespeare Studies
After four years of renovations and closure, the Folger re-opens in June 2024 as a more public-facing cultural centre with two brand new exhibition halls.