Selina Brown, the visionary founder of the Black British book festival, has been honored as the inaugural National Reading Hero, receiving the prestigious Queen's Reading Room medal from Queen Camilla. This newly established literary award recognizes individuals across the United Kingdom who passionately champion books and storytelling, launched in 2025 to combat declining reading rates.
From Frustration to Festival: Building Europe's Largest Black Literature Celebration
Brown's remarkable journey began in 2021 when she founded the Black British book festival after publishers rejected her children's book because it featured a Black girl on the cover. What started as a one-day event has blossomed into Europe's largest celebration of Black literature, now operating as a year-round platform hosting events at venues throughout the UK.
Transforming Communities Through Inclusive Stories
Through her innovative Reading for Smiles programme, Brown has introduced inclusive books into primary schools located in underserved areas with historically low literacy rates. Her commitment extends beyond the classroom, having established two community libraries that serve as vital resources for local residents.
"As a young Black girl growing up in Britain, I found possibility in stories long before I saw it in the world around me," Brown reflected. "I built this from nothing. No network. No industry access. Just belief – and books."
The single mother of three revealed she invested her personal savings into creating what she believed was essential: "a world-class stage for Black British stories." She expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, stating the medal belongs to "every child who has ever searched for themselves in a story and not found it."
Local Reading Hero Recognized for Decade of Service
Alongside Brown's national recognition, Liz Waterland was named Local Reading Hero for her volunteer work at Deepings Community Library in Lincolnshire. Over more than ten years of dedicated service, Waterland played a crucial role in saving the library from closure by securing 8,000 signatures on a petition.
Waterland described the award as a "wonderful honour" that acknowledges "a lifetime spent helping to make reading accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages, wherever they may be."
Rigorous Selection Process by Literary Leaders
The winners emerged from hundreds of nominations reviewed by an esteemed judging panel featuring prominent figures from Britain's literary landscape:
- Lady Gail Rebuck, chair of Penguin Random House UK
- Jonathan Douglas, chief executive of the National Literacy Trust
- Alison Tweed, chief executive of Book Aid International
- Dan Conway, chief executive of the Publishers Association
- Sarah Mears, programmes director at Libraries Connected
- Nels Abbey, founder of the Black British Writers' Guild
- Author Ann Cleeves
Vicki Perrin, chief executive of the Queen's Reading Room, expressed being "overwhelmed by the extraordinary calibre of nominations received from every corner of the United Kingdom." She highlighted Brown's "extraordinary impact on Black British literature and community development" and Waterland's "brilliant work in Lincolnshire."
The Queen's Reading Room: A Royal Literary Initiative
Founded by Queen Camilla in 2023, the Queen's Reading Room operates as a charitable organization dedicated to promoting reading through various initiatives including an online book club, festivals, and educational programs. The charity's mission aligns with broader efforts to address literacy challenges across the nation.
Looking ahead, nominations for next year's Queen's Reading Room medal will open on June 1st and close on October 1st, continuing the search for individuals making significant contributions to literary culture and accessibility throughout the United Kingdom.
