GLL Literary Foundation announces 2026 awards for Lincolnshire children’s authors

Now in its second year, the Foundation has selected 20 children’s authors from across the UK to receive an award in 2026, including Lincolnshire-based Anne Miller, author of the Monster Diaries series and Dr Cheryl Diane Parkinson, author of Last Girl In.

Established in November 2024, The GLL Literary Foundation supports children’s authors, inspires young readers and champions public libraries. The programme connects writers with librarian mentors to help them develop events, strengthen school and community partnerships, and build sustainable careers.

Nicola Rogers, Lincolnshire Library Partnership Manager, said:

“We’re thrilled that Cheryl Diane Parkinson and Anne Miller have received a GLL Literary Foundation award. This programme gives us a wonderful opportunity to connect them directly with local schools, families and young readers.

“Our libraries are at the heart of their communities, and initiatives like this help us bring stories to life, inspire imagination and nurture a lifelong love of reading. We look forward to working with both authors over the year to inspire young readers across our communities.”

Ann Miller said:

“I’m so excited to be taking part in the GLL Literary Foundation. Like many children who love books, my passion was fuelled by access to excellent local libraries. As an adult, I’ve been lucky enough to live in two areas with ‘Better’ Libraries and have found them the perfect mixture of welcoming, inspiring and great places for both quiet work and for attending events. I can’t wait to spend even more time in them!”

Dr Cheryl Diane Parkinson said: “I am very excited about the upcoming months - learning and developing my skill as a working writer to promote a love of reading, meeting and networking with new people and forging new relationships.”

Entries were assessed by a board of trustees drawn from GLL libraries, children’s librarians and the publishing world.

Each author receives a £750 bursary alongside in kind professional development support valued at up to £4,000. Authors are paired with a dedicated librarian mentor who helps shape events, develop school and community partnerships and introduce opportunities with booksellers, festivals and local organisations. Specialist training in branding, marketing and business skills supports authors to build sustainable careers while sharing their stories with young readers.

Through author visits, workshops and community events, the Foundation helps children discover the enjoyment of reading and develop confidence as readers. Meeting authors and engaging directly with stories encourages reading for pleasure, supports literacy development and strengthens connections between libraries and families.

Philip Donnay, Chief Executive Designate of GLL and Chair of the GLL Literary Foundation, added: “As a charitable social enterprise working in partnership with councils, our role is to create lasting social value for local communities. The Foundation brings authors, libraries and communities together in a way that strengthens the literary ecosystem while delivering meaningful cultural impact. The energy and collaboration we saw in the first year makes us incredibly excited for what comes next.”

Joseph Coelho OBE, Patron of the GLL Literary Foundation, said: “Meeting an author can be a life changing moment for a child. The GLL Literary Foundation creates those moments by bringing writers into libraries and placing stories at the heart of communities. Seeing authors continue their journey together while welcoming new voices makes this an exciting and important programme for the future of reading.”

As part of the National Year of Reading 2026, the expanded Foundation 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.

For further information visit:

www.better.org.uk/library/gll-literary-foundation