Continuing the Story: A Summer with the GLL Literary Foundation

Rebecca Gediking Library Services Director GLL keeps us up to date on the work of the GLL Literary Foundation.

It’s been a busy and inspiring few months for GLL Literary Foundation authors. Since our last Books for Keeps update, they have been visiting libraries and schools, delivering events, attending literary festivals, awards ceremonies and industry gatherings, and meeting fellow authors, publishers, booksellers and librarians from across the children’s book community. So far in 2026, Foundation authors have reached more than 2,000 children, introducing them to new stories and inspiring a love of reading.

The Foundation has continued to grow too. A new webinar series is helping schools connect with Foundation authors wherever they are, while our popular Literary Lunches bring authors together online with editors, agents, publicists, booksellers and other industry professionals to share practical advice, experiences and insights into building a career in children’s publishing.

June was a particularly memorable month. The highlight was the GLL Literary Foundation‘s first anniversary celebration at the House of Lords, hosted by Baroness Floella Benjamin. Bringing together Foundation authors and Literary Foundation Champions with representatives from Parliament, local government, libraries, publishing and cultural organisations, the reception reflected GLL‘s commitment to building stronger partnerships and stronger communities. It was a chance to celebrate the Foundation’s first year and, more importantly, to look ahead to what we can achieve together.

Foundation authors also attended the Carnegie Medals, the Branford Boase Award and the CLiPPA, celebrating excellence in children’s literature while gaining valuable insight into the wider publishing world. Behind-the-scenes access to judges and organisers, conversations with shortlisted creators and winners, and the chance to meet authors and illustrators at every stage of their careers all helped to build new connections and fresh ideas.

For us, though, the real highlight is always the children. Whether at a library event, a school visit, a literary festival or a national awards ceremony, it’s impossible not to be inspired by their smiles, their curiosity and the brilliant questions they ask. Seeing a child discover a new favourite author, laugh at a story or leave excited to read more reminds us exactly why bringing authors, libraries and communities together matters.

In this issue, Chapter Two author Iqbal Hussein reflects on what becoming part of the GLL Literary Foundation has meant to him.

Being Part of Chapter Two

By Iqbal Hussein

What’s the collective noun for a gathering of writers? A quill? A draft? An edit? Whatever it is, I now regularly find myself in the wonderful company of other children’s writers, all thanks to a place on this year’s GLL Literary Foundation.

As part of the Wandsworth cohort, I follow in the dauntingly big footsteps of last year’s group, whose members, including Jack Meggitt-Phillips and Olivia Wakeford, have already begun making their mark.

The Foundation team have been brilliant, as has my Literary Foundation Champion, the fabulous October Jones (and with a name like that, she really should be writing a book). Although we are only in the early stages of the Foundation, I’ve already gained valuable insights into the life of an established writer through the Online Literary Lunches. Rashmi Sirdeshpande’s ‘Ask Me Anything’ session was particularly brilliant. As a writer still finding my way, opportunities like these make the journey feel less solitary.

Recently, I joined writers from both cohorts to celebrate the first anniversary of the GLL Literary Foundation. That was reason enough to celebrate, but the occasion came with an extra thrill: a lunch and networking event at the House of Lords, hosted by Baroness Floella Benjamin.

Everything about the day was memorable: the glorious sunshine, the backdrop of Parliament and the Thames, and a room full of people passionate about libraries, books and reading. But the day belonged to Baroness Benjamin. She gave an inspiring speech, which even included a song. In an instant, I was transported back to being six years old, watching Play School and rediscovering the joy of stories.

I had the opportunity to thank her personally, encouraged by fellow GLL writer Luan Goldie when I became uncharacteristically shy. Baroness Benjamin was generous with her time, greeting everyone warmly, posing for photographs and making each conversation feel personal. When she spoke about her ‘Play School babies’, there was such pride and affection in her voice. I’m not embarrassed to admit that my own voice cracked as I told her what she had meant to so many of us, and how she filled a gap for children whose parents didn’t always have the time or opportunity to read with them.

The GLL Literary Foundation is already helping me grow as a writer, build new connections and become part of a wonderfully supportive community. Here’s to many more celebrations, many more voices being heard and every child discovering that their stories matter too.

If you’d like to get involved, whether through partnership, collaboration or simply by finding out more about the GLL Literary Foundation, they’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at literary.foundation@gll.org.