From the Folger Shakespeare Library website: "Four hundred years after Shakespeare's death, his characters are timeless and familiar, from wide-eyed Miranda to grim Macbeth. But how do we know about Shakespeare's plays in the first place?

For many of the plays, the answer is a single book: the 1623 First Folio of Shakespeare. Assembled seven years after Shakespeare's death, the First Folio includes 36 of his plays—18 of which had never been before published. Without it, Julius Caesar, Macbeth, As You Like It, The Tempest, and more could have been lost.

In 2016, in partnership with Cincinnati Museum Center and the American Library Association, First Folio! The Book that Gave Us Shakespeare will bring the First Folio to all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. The exhibition, which also includes panels and digital content, exclusively features First Folios from the Folger, whose collection of 82 First Folios is by far the largest in the world."

The First Folio! tour was brough to Salt Lake City Public Library, where Sam Payne takes us in this episode to explore Shakespeare's influence in storytelling and the arts. Stories and interviews included in this episode:

Interview with Lisa Curt of the Salt Lake City Public Library

Lisa Curt, Assistant Director at the Salt Lake City Public Library, is person responsible for bringing the First Folio to library patrons in Salt Lake City as it tours through the country. Sam Payne discusses Shakespeare history and cultural impact with Lisa as he explores the exhibition.

Interview with Archie Crisanto

Archie Crisanto is a local filmmaker and actor who is directing an upcoming production of "The Taming of the Shrew" in Provo, Utah. He sits down with Sam Payne to talk about adapting Shakespeare for the modern stage.

Interview with Members and Alumni of The Acting Company

Sam Payne is joined in studio by members and alumni of The Acting Company, including company director Suzanne Christensen. The Acting Company is a theatre organization dedicated to bringing Shakespeare to audiences young and old through productions starring children of all ages. In this conversation, Sam Payne and the actors discuss their respective experiences with acting. Learn more about Utah-based Acting Company by visiting www.tacactingcompany.org/about_tac