Primary School Library Alliance ambassadors for 2022/23 announced

Puffin, the children's imprint of Penguin Random House and National Literacy Trust partner, today announced the inaugural cohort of ambassadors for the Primary School Library Alliance (the Alliance).

Debut author Nazneen Ahmed Pathak (City of Stolen Magic), author and illustrator Jen Carney (The Accidental Diary of B.U.G) and the UK’s funniest duo Greg James and Chris Smith (The Great Dream Robbery; Super Ghost) will take on the mantle for the duration of the 2022-2023 academic year. Together, these Puffin authors will support the mission of the Alliance, reaching key policy makers, schools, teachers, students, and the general public alike.

The Alliance was formed in November 2021 by the National Literacy Trust and Penguin Random House UK to raise awareness of and address the chronic lack of investment in primary school libraries throughout the UK. Working with its flagship and supporting organisations (currently 33 partners across business, education, publishing and charitable sectors), the Alliance aims to transform 1,000 libraries by 2025, giving them the books, training and support they need.

In its first twelve months, the Primary School Library Alliance has involved 334 schools in its programmes to transform school reading spaces in underserved communities in the UK, including donating 165,840 books.

Now, with the advocacy of these esteemed Puffin authors, the Primary School Library Alliance continues its mission to be the leading voice in driving significant transformation of children’s access to school libraries and their excitement for reading.

Penguin Random House Children’s Managing Director, Francesca Dow, says: “At Puffin we really do believe in our mission of making books for everyone, because a book can change anyone, but the reality is that many primary schools simply don’t have the resources or budget needed to ensure all pupils can experience the joy of reading. The Alliance is doing urgent, essential work to begin to change that, by working with hundreds of brilliant schools across the country, bringing story magic to children, book by book. We are so proud that our Puffin authors Nazneen, Jen, Greg and Chris will be lending their support and influential voices to such a vital endeavour, and I wish them all, and the kids, the best – and fun – this year.”