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GLL Literary Foundation marks first year success at the House of Lords
08 Jul 2026
Charitable social enterprise GLL brought together invited guests from across Parliament, local government, national sector bodies, cultural organisations, the literary community and sports bodies at a celebration to mark the successful first year of the GLL Literary Foundation.
For more than 30 years, GLL has put collaboration and shared purpose at the heart of its leisure, libraries and cultural offer – creating huge impact that is shared by the local authorities, charities, social enterprises and national governing bodies it works with to create ‘Stronger Partnerships, Stronger Communities’.
Taking inspiration from its 18-year-old GLL Sport Foundation - the largest independent athlete support programme in the UK - in 2025 GLL launched the GLL Literary Foundation to support authors, inspire readers and champion public libraries in response to unprecedented challenges.
It brings together writers, librarians and communities from across Bromley, Dudley, Greenwich, Lincolnshire and Wandsworth, areas where GLL operates public libraries under its ‘Better’ brand.
The Foundation’s success is a reminder of the vital role that libraries play in the UK’s communities. More than places to borrow books, they’re spaces to connect, grow and access opportunities that can change lives.
An assembled audience of 160 at the House of Lords heard about the wider impact the GLL Literary Foundation is making in local communities across the UK - with 42 children's authors now supported.
Authors have delivered more than 60 events across libraries, schools and community venues, engaging over 3,000 children and more than 500 adults in reading activity - while boosting new memberships and book borrowing.
Writers receive a £750 bursary alongside in-kind professional development support valued at up to £4,000, gaining skills in business and marketing, opportunities with booksellers and increased visibility for their work.
Sponsor The Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham OM DBE DL introduced the House of Lords event from the Cholmondeley Room and welcomed the GLF's authors, who have been helping children discover the enjoyment of reading and develop confidence as readers.
Guests heard how GLL’s 'Stronger Partnerships, Stronger Communities' remit helps create opportunities and bridge inequality gaps.
Rebecca Gediking, GLL Library Services Director, said: "The GLL Literary Foundation demonstrates the impact that strong partnerships can have in supporting authors, inspiring children and strengthening communities. By bringing together libraries, schools, writers and local organisations, we are helping to create opportunities that encourage reading for pleasure while championing the vital role public libraries play in people’s lives.”
Speaking at the event, Philip Donnay, Chief Executive Designate of GLL and Chair of the GLL Literary Foundation, added: "Supporting children's literacy and helping writers build sustainable careers presents even more opportunities for GLL to widen our societal impact beyond that already seen across our national leisure offer. Through our collaboration with our local authorities, charities, social enterprises and national governing bodies, we’re helping to create stronger, healthier and more inclusive communities and lasting social value.”
Joseph Coelho OBE, Patron of the GLL Literary Foundation, said: "The GLL Literary Foundation is a wonderful initiative creating much needed pathways into publishing giving new authors support during those key first steps. Libraries make a natural home for such a project forging links not just between new authors and the industry but also authors, readers and the community at large."
Evaluation from the programme's first year shows strong impact for children, authors and libraries. 81% of children said they were more likely to visit their local library after attending an event, 79% said they felt more motivated to read, 100% of authors said they felt supported and well prepared and 88% reported increased visibility, opportunities or book sales through the programme.
As part of the National Year of Reading 2026, the expanded GLL Literary Foundation, now in its second year, will continue building partnerships with schools, publishers, festivals and community organisations to inspire reading for pleasure and demonstrate the vital role public libraries play in the UK’s cultural life.
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GLL Literary Foundation marks first year success at the House of Lords
Charitable social enterprise GLL brought together invited guests from across
Parliament, local government, national sector bodies, cultural organisations, the
literary community and sports bodies at a celebration to mark the successful first
year of the GLL Literary Foundation.
read more...
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