Wandsworth’s authors celebrated at Battersea Library

The GLL Literary Foundation is a new, national awards scheme that supports aspiring children’s authors. It provides resources, training, and networking opportunities while advocating for the role of libraries.

The inaugural event at Battersea Library provided a platform for authors, literary figures, and local people to connect and celebrate the power of storytelling. Attendees were full of praise for the Foundation’s commitment to supporting local talent and Wandsworth’s role in celebrating our public libraries, and cementing libraries as a keystone of local communities.

Watch a video from the event here:

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We love our libraries, and it is great to welcome GLL to Wandsworth for the launch of their literary foundation. The national context for libraries has been challenging so we are proud of our continued investment in our libraries and the excellent services they provide for our residents. We encourage everyone to visit their local library, get involved, and support our local authors.”

Five Wandsworth authors were selected to run visits to local libraries and schools and receive support from the Foundation over the coming year. The authors selected are Fay Evans, Jack Meggitt-Phillips, Nadine Wild-Palmer, Nathanael Lessore, and Olivia Wakeford. Learn more about them on the GLL Literary Foundation webpage.

Kemi Akinola, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “Libraries are at the heart of our communities, providing opportunities for learning, connection, and personal growth. As we celebrate our year as the London Borough of Culture, we are proud to support initiatives like the GLL Literary Foundation that highlights the vital role of librarians in inspiring new authors.”

Wandsworth Council is London Borough of Culture 2025. Our programme of events will showcase local talent, engage diverse communities, and bring cultural experiences to residents and visitors alike. Joseph Coelho OBE, former Children’s Laureate and the Foundation’s Patron, has been a key supporter of Wandsworth’s successful Borough of Culture bid. We will also be working closely with GLL to deliver a range of inspiring cultural and educational programmes, ensuring that creativity and the arts are accessible to all.

Hear from Joseph Coelho in our recent interview:

Libraries in Wandsworth

Our libraries have seen an average 10% increase in footfall in recent months (compared to the same period last year), with many experiencing even greater growth. This demonstrates the Council’s commitment to ensuring our libraries are properly funded, well maintained and able to thrive.

Two of our libraries were recently shortlisted in The British Book Awards’ Library of the Year category: Roehampton Children’s Library and Wandsworth Town Library and were two of the seven finalists in London. Read more about the award.

The GLL Literary Foundation was launched in November 2024 by Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL), the charitable social enterprise that operates Wandsworth’s libraries on behalf of the council.

More information

For more details, visit the GLL Literary Foundation webpage or head to your local Wandsworth library to discover more.