How is Shakespeare relevant? Share why he matters to you

We were inspired by the “wall of cards” about Shakespeare created by San Diego visitors to the First Folio! The Book that Gave Us Shakespeare tour, and we’d like to know why Shakespeare matters to you, too. Try our new Shakespeare Matters card to join the conversation, using the hashtag #MySHX400. (For more details on using the card, see the end of this post). 

When the First Folio arrived in San Diego this June, it was co-hosted by the San Diego Public Library and the Old Globe and exhibited at the library. The host team set up a board labeled “Please share how, or in what ways, Shakespeare is or isn’t relevant” with a supply of square cards… and the answers have been numerous and wonderful.

Although the First Folio has moved on from San Diego, we wanted to share some favorites, as we invite you to jump in with your own thoughts.

Thank you, Shakespeare! "Shakespeare opened the door to what literature is today" #MySHX400 #FirstFolioSD pic.twitter.com/O8IPD5myE8

— San Diego Public Library (@SDPublicLibrary) July 1, 2016

#MySHX400 Shakespeare's "First Folio" on display at SD Library. Momentous! TY Folger Library. pic.twitter.com/KW9tWTjS0z

— David Plettner-Saund (@DavidPlettner) July 2, 2016

"Dead 400 yrs – Freshest Rhymes Ever." How is #Shakespeare relevant to you? #MySHX400 #FirstFolioSD #SHX400 pic.twitter.com/A0LHnNHcnT

— San Diego Public Library (@SDPublicLibrary) June 29, 2016

Our visitors are sharing so many #MySHX400 notes about #Shakespeare. #FirstFolioSD pic.twitter.com/mo8KuetXPd

— San Diego Public Library (@SDPublicLibrary) June 9, 2016

#MySHX400 pic.twitter.com/hixmVbHHCx

— cynthia kosciuczyk (@salonistasays) July 1, 2016

Have a great weekend! Hope you have some Shakespeare fun planned. #MySHX400 #FirstFolioSD #SHX400 pic.twitter.com/8m8om4K9eS

— San Diego Public Library (@SDPublicLibrary) June 25, 2016

What does Shakespeare mean to you? How is he relevant, or in what ways? What does he add to your life? We’d love to hear from you. To join in, select the Shakespeare Matters card, then print it, write (or sketch) your message, and take a photo! Share it with the #MySHX400 hashtag.

Or is one card too small for all you’d like to share? Try creating a video! It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. Or take a look at other people’s responses, from cards to videos to random doodles and much more at Your Shakespeare Stories.