Published 24th January 2024
Inspired by the Fantasy: Realms of Imagination exhibition at the British Library (27 October 2023 – 25 February 2024), supported by Wayland Games, a new exhibition and events programme at Nottinghamshire Libraries explores how fantasy is flourishing today across a range of different media – literature, TV, film, games and more – and looks back at the origins of the genre.
A taster of the full British Library exhibition will be available to view at Worksop Library until 28 January, and Kirkby-in-Ashfield Library from 1 – 24 February. Visitors can also explore Inspire’s own pop-up exhibition Fantastic Archives and Where to Find Them at Worksop Library until 28 January and then at Sutton in Ashfield Library from 1 – 24 February, the exhibition takes visitors on a light-hearted quest back in time to discover Nottinghamshire’s fantastic heritage using documents from Nottinghamshire Archives.
Nottinghamshire Libraries are one of over 30 libraries across the UK highlighting how local folklore and fairy tales have inspired fantasy writers, and the role of local libraries in introducing readers to the genre, as part of the Living Knowledge Network, a UK-wide partnership of national and public libraries. As well as the touring exhibitions, Inspire have programmed a series of events for adults and children to make fantasy accessible to all across the county, including:
- Children’s writing workshops with author of the Into Goblyn Wood series, Anna Kemp, at Mansfield Central and Worksop Libraries on 3 February.
- An evening with local bestselling author of Midnight in Everwood, M.A Kuzniar at Beeston Library on 8 February.
- Small World Cinema shadow play activity and short film screening of animations including a fairy tale by silhouette artist Lotte Reiniger at Kirkby-in-Ashfield Library on 10 February.
- An interactive film workshop Monstrous Flesh: Women’s Bodies In Horror with Clelia McElroy, Nottingham-based film events producer on 20 February.
- The Inspire Picture Archive doors jigsaw puzzle will be touring library jigsaw tables, it features pictures of over 30 doors from around Nottinghamshire. There is also a children’s draw a door fantasy postcard activity at all 60 Inspire Libraries across Nottinghamshire.
Plus, Inspire have curated a list of recommended reads that can all be borrowed at Nottinghamshire Libraries, and a special selection of fantasy-related images of Nottinghamshire on the Inspire Picture Archive.
“Fantasy is a much beloved genre that is globally
popular and yet draws on local legends and mythology in creating mythical
worlds for readers to escape into. The displays in libraries in the Living
Knowledge Network will explore these local connections with fantasy writers and
creators while inspiring readers with the genre’s imaginative possibilities
across literature, films, TV and gaming.”
"We really value our partnership with the Living Knowledge Network, that allows us to make high-quality exhibitions accessible to all. The Fantasy theme has inspired us to showcase the magic of libraries and all that Inspire offers to adults and children alike. I urge everyone to step through their library door – it’s a portal to fantasy!”
