Inspired by the Fantasy: Realms of Imagination exhibition at the British Library, supported by Wayland Games, a new event at Kirkby Library explores how fantasy is flourishing across  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 Kirkby Library, from 1st to 24th February. Visitors can also explore Inspire’s own pop-up exhibition Fantastic Archives and Where to Find Them  at Sutton Library, from 1st to 24th February. The exhibition takes visitors on a light-hearted quest back in time to discover Nottinghamshire’s heritage, using documents from Nottinghamshire Archives.

Nottinghamshire Libraries are one of over 30 across the UK highlighting how local folklore and fairytales 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 has 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 Library on 3rd February.
• Small World Cinema shadow play activity and short film screening of animations, including a fairytale by silhouette artist Lotte Reiniger, at Kirkby Library, on 10th February.
• The Inspire Picture Archive – doors jigsaw puzzle will be touring library jigsaw tables. It features pictures of more than 30 doors from around Nottinghamshire. There is also a children’s draw a door fantasy postcard activity at all 60 Inspire libraries across Nottinghamshire.

Peter Gaw, chief executive at Inspire, added: “We really value our partnership with the Living Knowledge Network, which 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.”

Further information and links to book tickets can be found at https://www.inspireculture.org.uk/arts-culture/community/fantasy-realms-of-imagination/ and www.LKN-events.co.uk.