Agatha Christie is coming to libraries across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire this autumn as part of a new exhibition and events programme celebrating the life and work of the Queen of Crime.
Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery is inspired by the British Library’s major new exhibition and will bring a programme of crime, mystery and detective-themed events to city and county libraries from October.
As a member of the Living Knowledge Network, Inspire has partnered with Nottingham City Libraries to host a free taster of the exhibition, which opens at the British Library on 30 October.
The exhibition will explore the life and legacy of the world’s bestselling novelist, including some of her best-known characters such as Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, as well as her influence on crime writers today.
Nottingham City Libraries and Inspire have also received an Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant to part-fund elements of the exhibition and accompanying programme.
Events will include author talks, family activities and storytelling sessions, a crime panel event, local crime history sessions, writing workshops and immersive drama performances.
The wider programme will continue into 2027 and will cover both classic detective fiction and real-life local mysteries.
Material held by Nottinghamshire Archives and the Local Studies collection at Nottingham City Library will also be used to explore Nottingham’s own crime history, including real-life cases and local mysteries.
Readers can also take part in the Crime Reading Challenge between 30 October 2026 and 31 July 2027, encouraging participants to work their way through a selection of crime novels while gathering clues and following the trail to uncover whodunnit.
Children will be able to take part in a special Clue Hunt Activity at selected libraries during the October half term.
Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery will be open at Living Knowledge Network libraries across the UK from Friday 30 October 2026.
The exhibition will visit the following Inspire and Nottingham City Libraries:
Mansfield Central Library: Friday 30 October – Friday 18 December 2026
Nottingham Central Library: Friday 30 October – Thursday 31 December 2026
Sutton-in-Ashfield Library: Thursday 7 January – Wednesday 24 February 2027
St Ann’s Valley Library: Thursday 7 January to Sunday 21 February 2027
Hucknall Library: Monday 8 March – Wednesday 21 April 2027
Hyson Green Library: Monday 8 March to Thursday 22 April 2027
Kirkby-in-Ashfield Library: Tuesday 4 May 2027 to Saturday 19 June 2027
Strelley Road Library: Wednesday 5 May to Tuesday 29 June 2027
Helen Ackroyd, INSPIRE, Libraries and Culture Manager commented; “We’re thrilled to be bringing Agatha Christie through library doors across the city and county this autumn! As a member of the Living Knowledge Network, Inspire hosts a touring exhibition from the British Library each year, and 2026 is our biggest and most ambitious programme yet. We’re excited to deliver a joint programme of thrilling
events this time alongside Nottingham City Libraries – from crime author visits to reading challenges, there will be something for everyone who enjoys a good mystery”.
Councillor David Mellen, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism at Nottingham City Council said, “Agatha Christie’s stories have captivated readers for generations, so we’re delighted to join the Living Knowledge Network and bring the exhibition to Nottingham, along with our very own local mysteries from our Local studies team. Alongside the exhibition, our libraries will host a varied programme of events, talks and workshops celebrating crime fiction, mystery and storytelling throughout the year. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to Christie, there’s plenty to discover. “
Further information and programmed events can be found on Nottingham City Libraries website: Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery | Nottingham City Libraries and Inspire’s website at Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery | Inspire – Culture, Learning, Libraries and on the Nottingham City Libraries website at Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery
Find out more about the LKN British Library exhibition at Agatha Christie: A World of
Mystery | British Library
