Unearthed: The Power of Gardening, a free display touring Mansfield and Kirkby libraries,  will explore the transformative, enriching, and sometimes radical power of gardening.

It looks at how the act of gardening can heal and sustain people in a multitude of ways. It reveals how gardening can bring people together, empower communities, and shape our relationship with the natural world. It also considers gardening as a form of activism, as a means of challenging land ownership and highlighting social disparities, as well as providing a global story about the movement of plants.

Unearthed will be at Inspire’s Mansfield Central Library, from 2nd to 30th May, and at Kirkby Library, from 11th July to 9th August). Items from Nottinghamshire Archives collections will add a homegrown element alongside the main exhibition, allowing visitors to dig into local history inspired by gardening themes.

An associated programme of local events will also be running across Inspire libraries this summer. Children can take part in the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, Story Garden (produced by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries). The challenge encourages young readers to explore the magic of storytelling through nature and will be launching in libraries on Saturday, 5th July.

Artist and author in residence Michelle Reader and Leanne Moden have collaborated with local primary schools to create artwork for the Seed exhibition, exploring how planting ideas can inspire both artworks and writing. Families can join free workshops with Michelle and Leanne this summer.

Younger audiences can enjoy a special Rattle, Rhyme & Roll session with Peter Rabbit at Mansfield Central and Kirkby Libraries on Tuesday, 13th May.

Further information about Unearthed: The Power of Gardening and Inspire’s accompanying programme of events can be found at the website Unearthed: The Power of Gardening | Inspire – Culture, Learning, Libraries