Free Agatha Christie display opens at Lincoln Central Library

Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery is a free display at Lincoln Central Library from Friday October 30 to Saturday December 19, exploring the life and work of the bestselling novelist of all time, Agatha Christie.

Inspired by the British Library’s major exhibition (30 October 2026 - 20 June 2027), Lincoln Central Library is one of 33 library services celebrating the renowned crime fiction writer through the UK-wide Living Knowledge Network. 

Marking 50 years since Christie’s death, the display at Lincoln Central Library explores not only the origins of her iconic fictional creations, such as Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, but also Christie’s personal history and literary legacy. It examines Christie’s upbringing, hobbies, and international travels, and how they influenced her novels - from her childhood in English country houses and villages to her work as a pharmacy dispenser during both World Wars, and her time spent on archaeological digs in the Middle East. The display also reveals Christie’s impact on the wider crime fiction genre, illustrating how her use of ingenious puzzles, pioneering closed-circle mysteries, and beloved amateur detectives has inspired countless authors since.

The exhibition programme will also feature a series of crime fiction events, including an evening with bestselling author Sophie Hannah on 14 November discussing her Hercule Poirot novels; an online YA crime fiction panel featuring Lucy Foley, Sharma Jackson, Faridah Abike-Iyimide and Ravena Guron on 20 November; and two interactive Can You Solve the Murder? events with Antony Johnston on 28 November, where audiences become detectives and work together to crack a brand-new mystery.

Louise Woolley, Library Manager, said: “We are delighted to bring the Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery programme to Lincoln Central Library. Alongside the exhibition, these events offer visitors the chance to hear from acclaimed crime writers, discover new voices in the genre, and even test their own detective skills. We look forward to welcoming both lifelong Agatha Christie fans and new readers to this exciting programme.”

Lucy Rowland, Lead Curator of Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery, at the British Library, said: '‘We’re honoured to be working with the Christie Archive Trust and Agatha Christie Limited to mark the legacy of Agatha Christie, the most famous crime writer of all time. It’s a pleasure to invite audiences to learn more about Christie’s life, explore her journey to becoming an iconic writer and celebrate how adaptations of her novels for stage and screen continue to enthrall audiences today, over 50 years after her death.  Christie’s impact on crime fiction has been immense and so I am really looking forward to seeing how our Living Knowledge Network partners build upon the exhibition for audiences across the UK.’ 

The Living Knowledge Network is a unique partnership between public and national libraries in the UK created by the British Library, streaming free events, exhibitions, and workshops from libraries across the UK through living-knowledge-network.co.uk.

Lincoln Central Library is run by GLL, the not-for-profit social enterprise, on behalf of Lincolnshire County Council.