New display and events programme at Beeston Library explores British Chinese communities and culture alongside British Library exhibition

Inspired by Chinese and British at the British Library (18 November 2022 – 23 April 2023), supported by Blick Rothenberg, the display at Beeston Library celebrates the lasting impact of Chinese communities in the UK, from wartime service and contributions to popular cuisine to achievements in literature, sport, music, fashion and film. The display will be available for customers to view during opening hours from 17 January – 25 February 2023, before it moves to Mansfield Central Library on 7 March 2023.

Inspire Libraries are one of over 30 libraries across the UK highlighting the rich history of Chinese British communities as part of the Living Knowledge Network, a UK-wide partnership of national and public libraries.

To coincide with the display at Beeston Library and Chinese New Year celebrations, Inspire have programmed a series of events, including the sold-out family theatre performance of Moon Rabbit and Other Stories from China. This performance from Lakeside Arts supported by the Nottingham Confucius Institute and Arts Council England has been adapted and Directed by Toby Hulse to celebrate the Zodiac Year of the Rabbit 2023. Customers can still catch the performance at Worksop and Mansfield Central Libraries as well as Lakeside Arts throughout February half-term.

Customers can also enjoy a film screening of Grow Your Own (PG) in the comfortable setting of Beeston Library on Saturday 21 January. This comedy film starring Benedict Wong is an alternative view of the British Chinese story, one in which difference is welcomed but togetherness is celebrated. Tickets are just £1 and can be booked online or in the library.

Inspire would also like to invite anyone with Chinese heritage, or personal experiences related to China, to share any photographs and documents at Nottinghamshire Archives. Uploading images to the Inspire Picture Archive is quick and easy and can be done online at inspireculture.org.uk/ipaupload. Plus, to celebrate Chinese and British writing, Inspire has curated a special selection of book titles for children and adults by Chinese British authors, all available to borrow from Inspire Libraries.

Peter Gaw, Chief Executive Officer at Inspire said: “This new display celebrating the history and lasting legacy of such a vibrant community is not to be missed. I am proud that our partnership with the Living Knowledge Network is allowing us to host the display at Beeston and Mansfield Central Libraries to ensure as many people as possible are able to experience it for themselves”.

Councillor John Cottee, Cabinet Member for Communities at Nottinghamshire County Council, said:

"The Chinese and British Exhibition promises to be a brilliant celebration of the history and lasting legacy of this vibrant community and will help share what it really means to be Chinese and British.

“I’d encourage anyone with Chinese heritage, or personal experiences related to China, to share and upload any photographs and documents to the Inspire Picture Archive for future generations to enjoy.”

Liz White, Head of Public Libraries and Community Engagement at the British Library, said: “People and their stories form the core of the Chinese and British exhibition in London and the displays in local libraries across the UK. The Living Knowledge Network partnership enables us to connect with people across the country, so this is a great opportunity to celebrate the lasting impact of Chinese communities in the UK and uncover more stories along the way.”

Chinese and British has been curated by Dr Lucienne Loh at the University of Liverpool and Dr Alex Tickell at the Open University in collaboration with the British Library.

The Living Knowledge Network streams free events, exhibitions and workshops from libraries across the UK through www.LKN-events.co.uk.

Further informationand full events listings.