FANTASY is coming to life at Warwickshire’s libraries.
The new exhibition Fantasy: Realms of Imagination celebrates the diversity of the fantasy genre, from Arthurian legends to manga and live action role-playing games.
The display, which will be on show at different libraries across the county over the next five months, explores how fantasy is flourishing across literature, TV, film, games and more, and looks back at the origins of the genre.
It covers ancient folk tales and fairy stories, gothic horror and weird fiction, and live action role-playing games.
Warwickshire Libraries is one of over 30 library authorities across the UK highlighting how local folklore and fairy tales have inspired fantasy writers – and the role of libraries in introducing readers to the genre – as part of the Living Knowledge Network, a UK-wide partnership of libraries.
Alongside the exhibition panels, libraries will showcase their collections of fantasy titles. There will also be treasure hunts and worksheets available for children.
A series of free events will take place alongside the exhibition, including talks with fantasy authors, livestream events, fantasy animation workshops, storytelling sessions, make your own dragon egg craft sessions for adults, Dungeons and Dragons games, and more.
Warwickshire County Council’s Customer and Transformation spokesman Coun Yousef Dahmash said: “This is a great opportunity to showcase the genre, the fantasy collections already available at our local libraries, and to reach out to those who may not know what we have to offer.
“I encourage everyone to make a visit as the exhibition tours across our vibrant and welcoming library spaces and enjoy discovering new stories and meeting others who share similar interests.”
Liz White, Director of Library Partnerships at the British Library, said: “The displays in libraries in the Living Knowledge Network will explore local connections with fantasy writers and creators while inspiring readers with the genre’s imaginative possibilities across literature, films, TV, and gaming.”
The touring version of the exhibition will run alongside the main Fantasy: Realms of Imagination exhibition at the British Library in London from October to February.
The exhibition is now running at Rugby Library until November 12, before visiting libraries in Leamington, Stratford, Warwick, Kenilworth, Nuneaton, Atherstone and Bedworth over the following three months.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fantasy for more information on the free exhibition, and https://tinyurl.com/5h9uxkm5 to book places at the accompanying events.
