In a landmark celebration of literature, community, and cultural impact, Selina Brown has been named the National Reading Hero at the inaugural Queen’s Reading Room Medal ceremony, recognising her outstanding contribution to Black British literature and literacy across the UK.
The prestigious award, launched in 2025 by Queen Camilla, aims to honour individuals who are transforming lives through reading at a time when literacy rates continue to decline nationwide.
A National Recognition for Black British Literature
Selina Brown, founder of the Black British Book Festival, has built one of Europe’s most influential platforms celebrating Black literature. Since its launch in 2021, the festival has reached over 100,000 people and expanded into a national movement spanning London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Her work goes far beyond festivals. Through her Reading for Smiles programme, Brown has introduced inclusive books into primary schools in areas with low literacy rates—helping children not only engage with reading, but see themselves reflected in stories for the first time.
Teachers have reported remarkable results, with students who once avoided books now borrowing regularly and even writing their own stories.
Her grassroots approach has also included opening community libraries, placing books in everyday spaces such as barbershops and marketplaces, and working with publishers to create opportunities for underrepresented voices.
Celebrating Community Impact
The awards ceremony, held at Clarence House, brought together leading figures from the literary and cultural world, highlighting the power of storytelling to inspire change.
Alongside Brown, Liz Waterland was named Local Reading Hero for her decade-long dedication to community literacy in Lincolnshire. Her efforts helped save Deepings Community Library from closure and transform it into a thriving hub of learning and connection.
Literature as a Tool for Change
The Queen’s Reading Room Medal shines a spotlight on individuals working across schools, libraries, food banks and community spaces—demonstrating that reading is not just an educational tool, but a pathway to confidence, identity and opportunity.
From grassroots initiatives to national movements, this year’s winners reflect a growing recognition that access to books—and representation within them—remains essential.
As reading levels continue to fall, the work of figures like Selina Brown serves as a powerful reminder: stories matter, and who gets to tell them matters even more.
Looking Ahead
Nominations for the 2027 Queen’s Reading Room Medal will open on 1 June 2026, continuing the mission to celebrate the UK’s reading champions and inspire a new generation to discover the power of books.