The British Council of Library (BCL) has organised a Book Week, in recognition of the death anniversary of William Shakespeare - the greatest dramatist, which was observed all over the world on April 23. From 1995 onwards, UNESCO has designated April 23 as the World Book Day and Copyright Day. The British Council of Library had devised a week long programme, which began on Monday April 23, with a speech on William Shakespeare by British Council Director Paul Smith.

William Shakespeare was acknowledged as the hero of the last millennium. He handled high drama, romance and slapstick comedy with equal ease, and so famous are his words that his quotes, from "To be or not to be" to "Parting is such sweet sorrow," take up more than 70 pages in the latest editions of Bartlett's Familiar Quotations. Shakespeare is also known as "the Bard of Avon," a nod to his birthplace, and many of his plays were originally performed in Stratford's famous Globe Theater. Among his best-known plays are Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and MacBeth. “William Shakespeare was the grand literary figure of the Western world. The plays written by Shakespeare has had a profound effect in the world of literature.” said Poonam Gupta, a postgraduate in English Literature from Mumbai University.

The other programmes of the British Council of Library includes a panel discussion on library and information service in the age of internet, poetry under stars, a display of books by Rupa & Co., and a lucky draw for the new BCL members.

The British Council is Britain's international network for education, science and technology, culture and development services. The Council operates as a division of the British High Commission, with offices in the four metros and a network of twelve libraries in India.. To access the library resources, one needs to have a valid membership. Non-members can use the library only for reference by paying a daily charge of Rs 20/- from Tuesdays to Fridays and Rs 50/- on Saturdays. The library timings are: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm (Tuesday to Saturday). The library is closed on Sundays, Mondays and selected public holidays.

Address:

The British Council of Library,
Mittal Towers, A-wing,
Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400 021.
Phone: 282 3560 / 3530
E - mail: mumbai.library@in.britishcouncil.org
Url: www.britishcouncil.org

By: Wasim Siddiqui
Photographs by: Vinayak Prabhu

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