Arts & Culture
Songs & Scones at Retford Library: Aug, Sept, Oct & Nov 2026
Who doesn’t love a cup of tea, a lovely scone and some social music-making?
Published 2nd October 2026
Step into a world of mystery, crime and detective fiction with a special programme of events inspired by the British Library’s major new exhibition, Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery coming to city and county libraries this October.
As a member of the Living Knowledge Network, Inspire has partnered with Nottingham City Libraries to host a free taster of the exhibition opening at the British Library on 30 October. Fans of mystery, detective fiction and whodunits are invited to uncover the extraordinary life and legacy of the world's bestselling novelist, Agatha Christie. From her best-loved characters including Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, to her impact on crime writers today, unravel the secrets behind the Queen of Crime’s enduring appeal.
Nottingham City Libraries and Inspire have worked together to receive the award of an Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant to part fund the delivery of elements of the exhibition and programme.
Whether you're a devoted Christie fan or simply love a good whodunnit, you’ll be able to enjoy a range of crime-themed events and activities inspired by Christie's work, including author talks, family activities and storytelling sessions, a crime panel event, local crime history sessions, writing workshops, immersive drama performances and more. From exploring classic detective fiction to real-life local mysteries, this autumn's programme, which will extend into 2027, promises plenty of twists, turns and clues to follow for readers and mystery lovers of all ages.
Drawn from materials held by Nottinghamshire Archives and the Local Studies collection at Nottingham City Library, part of the exhibition will showcase Nottingham's own fascinating crime history, looking at real-life cases, local mysteries and the gruesome truths that are often stranger than fiction.
Can you crack the case? Readers are invited to take part in the Crime Reading Challenge, running between 30 October 2026 and 31 July 2027. The challenge encourages participants to read their way through a selection of great crime novels, gathering clues and following the trail to uncover whodunnit. Children can also put their detective skills to the test and take part in a special Clue Hunt Activity at selected libraries this October half term – just pop into one of our participating libraries to join in!
Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery will be open at all Living Knowledge Network libraries across the UK from Friday 30 October 2026. The exhibition will be visiting 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
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.
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 our website at Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery 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
