Step into ‘Other Worlds’ at Auckland’s Central City Library from February 19 for a unique experience encountering the thrilling worlds of science fiction through books, magazines, comics, art and music.
‘Other Worlds’ is a six-month long exhibition that runs from February to August, that offers visitors the opportunity to discover science fiction through themes like Fandom, Science Fact, Inner Worlds, Robots and Monsters, Colonisation, Utopia and Dystopia, The Empty City, and Mars.
“It’s a celebration of the imagination of writers and artists – of imaginative literature,” says Andrew Henry, Curator Auckland Collections, Auckland Council Libraries.
“There’s a huge variety of other worlds that these writers have created, from outer space to cyberspace. We want to invite Aucklanders to come and check out science fiction’s early beginnings and how it’s progressed since then; to consider how this might be topical in the modern day and what some of the wildest predictions of technology have been – did they get it right? Come find out!”
Visitors are in for a treat with this special collection from the Auckland Libraries Heritage Collection on full display. The tour takes visitors on a journey through ten categories that will have them travelling from adventure to adventure as they take in the vibrant, colourful illustrations and art, each depicting a more exciting landscape than the next.
“Ever wondered where some of today’s biggest entertainment franchises’ began? Come and discover how a subgenre became pop culture; spot an old favorite book, find a new read or suggest one for others,” adds Henry.
Community Committee Chair Councillor Angela Dalton says it’s exciting to see an exhibition of this nature that opens up libraries to a wider audience.
“This exhibition is one that will feed the curiosity of Aucklanders of all ages,” says Cr Dalton.
“Science fiction is a genre that transcends time and generations. We’re delighted to see this exhibition come to life and to offer a unique experience for the next outing with friends and whānau.”
‘Other Worlds’ visitors can also expect recommended Spotify playlists and curated reading lists to enrich the experience. There will also be curator and author talks, and a special musical performance by the Zest Quartet. In addition, tune into the Other Worlds podcast and listen in as curators Andrew Henry, Renee Orr and Brent Giblin explore these worlds more deeply.
This free exhibition is open Monday to Saturday from 19 February to 2 August at Auckland’s Central City Library.
For more information please visit: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/events/2025/02/other-worlds-an-exhibition-by-auckland-council-libraries/
