Three local children’s authors awarded GLL Literary Foundation bursaries

Poppy has an honours degree in Visual Communication (Illustration) from Birmingham City University and says she collects chaos like a magpie collects shiny things – helping to create the playful energy that is a key element in her young adult storytelling.

Author of Dead Real, an illustrated coming-of-age rom com with zombies that was published by Fox and Ink last summer, Poppy works as a freelance consulting artist and an art technician at a sixth form college.

“It’s super exciting to be one of the GLL Literary Foundation 2026 authors,” she said. “I can’t wait to meet loads of lovely new people, learn more about being a published author and deliver exciting events!”

Donna David grew up in the West Midlands in a house she describes as being full of noisy siblings, fun parents, mad aunties and maggots (her dad is a fisherman). She'd often be found reading by torch light way after bedtime and this love of reading never left her. 

Author of the Trains, Trains, Trains! Series, published by Macmillan, and three Would You Rather? picture books, Donna’s most recent novel, The Awesomely Adventurous Librarians, celebrates the joy every reader can experience when they find the perfectly perfect book.

“I am so excited to be taking part in this year's GLL Literary Foundation,” said Donna. “I have passion for books and for sharing stories and I know a big part of my job as a children's author is inspiring the next generation of readers and writers. I want to learn how to best engage with young readers from the West Midlands, and I want them to see that working in a creative industry is something that every one of them can achieve if they would like to. I wouldn't be a published author today if it wasn't for my early experiences with libraries and librarians. Libraries opened a world of opportunities for me, and I want to share these opportunities with local children.”

Siren Knight and currently lives in Bilston. She has an MA in creative writing, works as a GCSE tutor, loves reading and has been writing fiction her whole life. She is the author of the upcoming young adult contemporary romance novel Princess (Apparently), scheduled for publication by Usborne this August. 

“I’m delighted to be a part of the GLL Literary Foundation and am really looking forward to the one-to-one guidance and networking opportunities that will be a part of this experience,” said Siren. “I am really keen to connect young readers with a range of diverse characters and to make sure that they feel represented in present day literature so I’m ecstatic to be included in events that will centre young readers in my local community. Exciting times ahead.”

The GLL Literary Foundation was established in November 2024 to support children’s authors, inspire young readers and champion public libraries. 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. GLL is a worker-owned charitable social enterprise.

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

Each author will receive 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 helps libraries connect more young people with books and learning opportunities.

Stephanie Rhoden, GLL Partnership Manager for Dudley Libraries, said: “I’m delight that three children’s authors from our area have been chosen and look forward to working with them over the coming year. Their skills will help develop future talent in the Dudley community and that’s very exciting for everyone concerned.”

Rebecca Gediking, GLL Library Services Director, said: “Last year we welcomed an inspiring group of authors to the GLL Literary Foundation, and it has been wonderful to see the relationships that have grown between writers, librarians and local communities. Watching authors develop their confidence, support one another and bring stories to life for children has been incredibly rewarding. We are excited to continue working with our inaugural authors while welcoming a fantastic new cohort for 2026.”

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.”

In its inaugural year the Foundation helped 20 authors to deliver more than 60 events across libraries, schools and community venues, engaging over 3,000 children and more than 500 adults in reading activity. Authors developed new professional skills, strengthened networks and increased visibility for their work, while libraries reported new memberships and increased borrowing following events.

All authors from the 2025 cohort will now continue into a second year through the Foundation’s Alumni Programme. Having built strong partnerships with their librarian mentors and local communities, these writers will deepen their engagement, collaborate with new authors and help shape the future of the programme.

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