Philadelphia has a lot to look forward to in the upcoming New Year, with the opening of places like Venice Beach in Manayunk and the Dilworth Plaza next to city hall. Both projects, however, are not slated to open until the spring/summer.

Luckily, theater and literature fans will have something to celebrate just as the New Year rings in. The entire year of 2014 has been named Year of the Bard: Shakespeare at 450 in dedication to William Shakespeare. With programs and events occurring throughout 2014, Year of the Bard will kick-off in on January with events, including an exhibit of some of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Shakespeare pieces and items on Jan. 29. Eventually it will cultivate with a large birthday party on April 23 for Shakespeare.

For more information and a list of events visit the Free Library’s website.