Aligned
The link between writers and libraries is obvious, but how they can practically support each other is not. For Rebecca, the alignment between the needs of library readers and the needs of early career writers was enough to justify making that support real.
She says: “We were concerned that if authors stopped being engaged in writing, it would have an impact on children’s reading levels. We were also aware of National Literacy Trust research (
https://tinyurl.com/4hh7keud) that showed a direct correlation between higher reading attainment, higher read- ing for pleasure levels and increased confidence in children and young peo- ple who took part in author visits. “Having identified the above, we felt we could utilise all of the talent with- in our team and create a supportive literary eco-system by bringing our Start-Up Business services, outstanding children’s librarians, our national net- work of libraries, partnerships and local relationships to bring everyone together in a new innovative way.”
Existing structure
The idea for the GLL Literary Foun- dation was formed in 2023 to inspire children to engage in reading, authors to continue writing and to champion public libraries. Rebecca says the scope and potential for the foundation had been inspired by the existing GLL Sport Foundation: “In 2023, GLL celebrated 15 years of the GLL Sport Foundation and the tremendous impact it has generated in local areas and nationally. In 2024, 117 past and present members of the GLL Sport Foundation took part in the Olympic and Paralympic games winning 77 medals.”
She adds: “We wanted to take the suc- cessful structure and model of the Sport Foundation and replicate it to deliver our aims for libraries. We came up with all of the ideas in 2023 and are very proud to have launched the GLL Liter- ary Foundation a year later in 2024.”
New relationship
Asked what key difference the GLL Literary Foundation would make to the traditional relationships between librar- ies and the book ecosystem, Rebecca says: “The GLL Literary Foundation will allow us to develop close relation- ships with publishers and local authors and work collaboratively as one with a shared purpose.
“One of our key aims in creating the Literary Foundation is to establish that community support for local authors cheering them on and being part of their journey. We also want local authors to support their communities
December 2024
Rebecca with Joseph Coelho, poet and children’s book author and former Children’s Laureate.
and through the libraries bringing every- one together, we hope that everyone will benefit from this relationship.” She says: “Publishers, authors and libraries have a close relationship but are not always in direct contact as book buying is completed through an interme- diary/partner organisation rather than directly with publishers.”
Rebecca points out that author visits rely on library and publisher dates align- ing and that authors are not always local, adding: “Although we all support each other and have shared goals, there is more we can do to inspire the next generation of readers.”
Library benefit.
Rebecca says: “Libraries and Librar- ians will benefit by being the core of the Foundation and driving the programme forward in new ways. Our Children’s Librarians will get to focus on what they are passionate about; inspiring children to read a wide range of diverse and inclu- sive stories. We hope that in creating that space for authors and young readers to come together, we are building a world of stories, experimentation, imagination and collaboration.
Publisher buy-in
The selection process starts with author submissions from publishers who rep resent authors across all genres of children’s lit- erature. Applications opened last month and close on 10 January 2025. Rebecca says: “We have spent the last year meet-
ing with publishers of all sizes to test ideas and the best ways to work together. The publishers were very generous with their time and a key part of the development of the programme. We are delighted that some of the publishers we worked with have nominated authors to be part of our first cohort.”
Shareable?
In a press release GLL said: “As the largest public library operator in the UK, GLL rec- ognises that we are uniquely positioned to support the success of early-career authors by bridging the gap in author training and experience in the areas where we deliver public library services.”
But could other services think about doing something similar? Rebecca says: “I think elements of the Foundation could be picked up locally by all libraries to build better collaborative relationships. However, I think GLL’s national services and national network provide that unique opportunity to generate maximum impact for authors and publishers by taking the grass roots programme to a wider audience. Another important factor is resources and cost. Rebecca says: “GLL have invested in the creation of the Foundation, author bursaries and running costs and the annual cost of the programme will be approx- imately £100k. We have invested and worked with partners to generate spon- sorship and external funding.” For more details visit
www.better.org.uk/ library/gll-literary-foundation IP
INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL 39
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
