Bromley Literary Foundation Champions Emerging Children’s Authors
In a heartwarming gathering at the Central Library of Bromley, a group of talented writers came together to celebrate their achievements as recipients of awards from a newly established literary foundation. Among the luminaries present were Marcela Ferreira, Alex Falase Koya, Adeola Sokunbi, and Alom Shaha, who were joined by the library staff for a delightful afternoon of tea, cake, and camaraderie. The highlight of the event was the introduction of their mentor, Caroline Nolan, the Bromley Children’s Librarian, who will be guiding and supporting them in their literary endeavors throughout the year in her role as the ‘Literary Foundation Champion’.
Financial support in the form of £750 each will be provided to the writers, in addition to the invaluable mentorship from Caroline and her team. This support includes a series of author events, networking opportunities with local booksellers, publishers, literary festivals, and schools. Furthermore, the authors will have access to three online training courses focusing on brand identity, marketing, and business planning to enhance their skills and reach a wider audience.
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Embracing Local Talent with Online Support
In a show of commitment to fostering local talent, the GLL Literary Foundation, established in November, aims to uplift ‘up-and-coming’ children’s authors based in Bromley, Greenwich, and Wandsworth—areas where GLL operates public libraries under its ‘Better’ brand. The foundation’s call for applications welcomed authors across various genres of children’s literature, ranging from picture books, early readers, chapter books, poetry, non-fiction, graphic novels to verse novels.
The selection process involved nominations from the authors’ publishing representatives, with the entry criteria stipulating that applicants should have published between one and three books in the past five years. Among the winners, Alom Shaha, a Bromley-based author, shared his personal story of how libraries played a pivotal role in his life as an immigrant growing up on a council housing estate. Reflecting on the positive influence of his local library and the librarians who nurtured his love for books, Alom expressed his excitement about the fellowship and the prospect of contributing back to the community.
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Excitement and Support from Literary Figures
Caroline Nolan, in her role as the ‘Literary Foundation Champion’, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing the privilege of championing such a talented group of authors at Bromley Libraries. Rebecca Gediking, the head of libraries for GLL, echoed this sentiment, welcoming the authors and highlighting the foundation’s mission to bring together local and national communities in support of authors and the promotion of reading through public libraries.
Renowned children’s author and trustee of the GLL Literary Foundation, Mo O’Hara, shared her excitement about the announcement of the inaugural cohort of authors. She emphasized the incredible opportunity for the authors to develop new skills, gain confidence, and navigate various aspects of the industry. As the literary world eagerly anticipates the contributions of these emerging voices, the support and encouragement from mentors, librarians, and fellow authors promise a bright future for children’s literature.
The event captured a sense of community, creativity, and shared passion for storytelling, underscoring the vital role of libraries in nurturing talent and fostering a love for reading. As the authors embark on their journey supported by the GLL Literary Foundation, their stories and voices are poised to enrich the literary landscape and inspire young readers across Bromley and beyond.
