Free Other Worlds: an exhibition by Auckland Council Libraries

JOIN OUR EXHIBITION – OTHER WORLDS

From time to time, our imagination needs to journey beyond the confines of our everyday reality. We can observe this human need throughout literary history, from ancient myths to modern tales. This impulse to explore alternative realities helps expand our thinking, challenge our assumptions, and envision new possibilities for humanity. Just such a creative impulse animates our “Other Worlds” exhibition, celebrating the rich tradition of science fiction.

Explore the imaginative worlds of science fiction in this vibrant exhibition featuring books, magazines, comics and posters from Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections. This carefully curated selection showcases how speculative fiction has both reflected and influenced our technological and social evolution over the past two centuries.

Science fiction allows readers and writers to imagine other worlds, whether they’re mind-bending, hopeful or downright terrifying. Through these imagined realities, we gain new perspectives on our own world and its potential futures. The exhibition reveals how science fiction serves as both entertainment and serious social commentary.

Visitors will:

• Learn about the big ideas and publishing history of this expansive genre
• Immerse themselves in incredible settings through eye-popping artwork
• Trace themes and tropes from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to William Gibson’s Neuromancer
• Discover the close connections between science fact and speculative fiction
• View early editions of classic works and contemporary masterpieces

The exhibition runs from 19 February to 2 August 2025, open Monday to Saturday during regular library hours. Whether you’re a lifelong science fiction enthusiast or new to the genre, we invite you to explore these Other Worlds with us – where imagination knows no bounds and every page offers a gateway to new possibilities.