Auckland Council Libraries: Other Worlds

Other Worlds

Exhibition: 19 February 2025 - 2 August 2025

Illustration of a person wearing futuristic gear. Image: Cover illustration by Mike Hinge from Analog science fiction, science fact, April 1976.

Other Worlds traverses the science fiction universe, celebrating the imaginative power of notable works from the nineteenth century and beyond.

This exhibition is a unique opportunity to discover an expansive genre that writers and artists have used to explore social, political and environmental issues.

Experience themed events and treasured items from Auckland Libraries Heritage collections, including:
  • 10 themed exhibition cases showcasing topics such as fandom, robots and monsters, inner worlds and Mars
  • twentieth-century fiction classics, pulp paperbacks and vintage magazines
  • graphic design, typography and cover art
  • fanzines, comics, pop-up books and LPs
  • zine workshops
  • Zest quartet live in concert performing key pieces from sci-fi and fantasy films 
  • science fiction author, scholar and curator talks
  • and much more!


Visit the exhibition

Come along to the Gallery to browse the collection at your own pace. No booking required.

The Gallery, Level 2, Central City Library / Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero


Monday to Friday, 10am – 6pm
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, closed.


Other Worlds talk: Building the world of Dune

Profile image of Dr. Kara Kennedy. How did Frank Herbert manage to build such an interesting world that still speaks to us today? Dr Kara Kennedy explores what makes Dune and its characters believable and relatable, and how Herbert avoided the clichés that made other science fiction obsolete.

No booking is required, join us for free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thursday 27 February, 6pm – 7pm.
Whare Wānanga, Level 2, Central City Library.



Curator talks

Join Other Worlds curators Andrew Henry and Renee Orr as they give you a deep dive into the stories behind our latest exhibition.

Tickets are free, booking is required.

  • Wednesday 23 April, 12pm – 12.30pm
  • Wednesday 30 April, 12pm – 12.30pm
  • Saturday 7 June, 12pm– 1pm
  • Saturday 14 June, 12pm – 12.30pm.

Level 2 exhibition space, Central City Library.



Watch Metropolis - a sci-fi classic

Immerse yourself in Metropolis, the 1927 science fiction masterpiece by Fritz Lang, now restored to its original glory. This pivotal film, set in a futuristic dystopia, is a must-see for any sci-fi fan.

Experience this iconic film for free while it plays on loop at the Other Worlds exhibition. Or, use your library card to stream and other sci-fi movies on Beamafilm .




Auckland Council Libraries:Other Worlds Explore Other Worlds, a free sci-fi exhibition at Central City Library from 19 Feb to 2 August. See rare collections, join expert talks and enjoy live music performances.