Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery
Step into the world of mystery, crime and detective fiction with a special programme of events inspired by the British Library’s major exhibition, Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery.
A World of Mystery at Nottingham City Libraries
Discover the world of mystery, detectives and crime fiction at Nottingham City Libraries.
This autumn, join us as we celebrate the life, work and legacy of Agatha Christie, the world’s bestselling novelist and the Queen of Crime. As part of the Living Knowledge Network, we’ll be hosting a touring exhibition and a programme of events inspired by Christie’s iconic stories, unforgettable detectives and the enduring popularity of crime fiction. Whether you’re a lifelong Christie fan or simply love a good mystery, there’s something to discover.
The exhibition will be travelling around 4 of our libraries, on the following dates:
- Nottingham Central Library: 31 October to 31 December 2026
- St Ann’s Valley Library: 7 January to 21 February 2027
- Hyson Green Library: 8 March to 22 April 2027
- Strelley Road Library: 5 May to 29 June 2027
Explore exhibitions, talks, workshops and activities celebrating mystery, detection and some of the best-loved crime stories ever written
Explore Nottingham’s Crime Stories
Visit our special exhibition featuring items from our Local Studies collection, shining a light on Nottingham’s fascinating crime history. Discover stories from the city’s past, explore real-life local mysteries, and learn more about the people, places and events that have captured imaginations over the years.
Events and Activities
Alongside the exhibition, we’ll be hosting a programme of events celebrating Agatha Christie, crime fiction and mystery storytelling.
Events will include:
- Author talks and interviews
- Reading groups
- Writing workshops
- Immersive drama performances
- Local history talks
- Family activities and storytelling sessions
- A Crime Reading Challenge for adults
Whether you’re a lifelong Christie fan, an aspiring writer, or simply enjoy a good mystery, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Dog Ate My Library Book
Put your detective skills to the test with our special Dog Ate My Library Book mystery trail and Cipher Wheel Craft activity.
Six witnesses are hiding around the library, each with an important clue. Find them all, note down the evidence in your Detective’s Notebook, and work out which mischievous suspect is responsible for eating the library book!
Once you’ve solved the mystery, see if you can crack the secret coded message hidden in your notebook using your very own Cipher Wheel.
Free and suitable for ages 4-10. Come along and take part whenever the exhibition is in your local library!
- Nottingham Central Library: 31 October to 31 December 2026
- St Ann’s Valley Library: 7 January to 21 February 2027
- Hyson Green Library: 8 March to 22 April 2027
- Strelley Road Library: 5 May to 29 June 2027
Crime Reading Challenge
30 October 2026 to 30 June 2027
Can you solve the mystery?
This autumn, join our new Crime Reading Challenge. Read great crime novels, gather clues and follow the trail to uncover whodunnit.
Inspired by Agatha Christie and classic detective stories, it’s a challenge for mystery lovers of all ages.
🕵️ Coming soon… The game is afoot!
Related Events and Activities
Explore More Agatha Christie Events
Nottingham City Libraries is working in partnership with Inspire Libraries as part of the British Library’s Living Knowledge Network. Alongside our city programme, Inspire Libraries will be running events, activities and exhibitions across Nottinghamshire.
Acknowledgements
Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery is part of the British Library’s Living Knowledge Network programme. Nottingham City Libraries is proud to deliver this project in partnership with Inspire Libraries.
The Living Knowledge Network programme is kindly supported with grant funding from Arts Council England, secured in partnership with Inspire, Nottinghamshire’s library service.
The British Library will host the complete exhibition into the remarkable life and legacy of the bestselling novelist of all time, opening at the British Library in London on 30 October 2026.
