CILIP Ireland was delighted to offer a bursary to the YLG Conference in Eastbourne in September 2025 to support the professional development of our members. The lucky recipient was Tanja Jennings. Tanja is the School Librarian At Wellington College in Belfast. Read Tanja’s conference report below.

A Breath of Fresh Air- Journeys into Reading at the YLG Conference in Eastbourne
By Tanja Jennings

Librarians on
an odyssey exalting
the wonders of books.

Congregating in
a hotel by the sea to
welcome literary guests.

Sharing ideas
listening, learning, growing
in knowledge.

Speakers, publishers,
illustrators, authors, all
showcasing great reads.

Collaborative
engaging, informative-
a packed programme.

Demonstrating the
diverse journeys into books
benefiting all.


I’m a dedicated school librarian, four term Carnegie Medals judge, experienced book reviewer, founder of the Northern Irish heat of the international interschools Kids’ Lit Quiz [2006-2019], which gave me the opportunity to promote the message that reading rewards across the province, and a creative book blogger at https://goodnighttoread.wordpress.com. I was delighted to receive a bursary [a boon in a time of budget constraints] from Cilip Ireland to attend the Youth Libraries Group Conference in Eastbourne which was held on the 6th and 7th of September.
From an early age I’ve been captivated by reading because of its immersive, transcendent and empathetic power. One of my favourite books is my great-grandmother’s copy of The Arabian Nights Entertainments because it smells of history and is full of strange and fantastical happenings. My passion for literature led me to my vocation via a Joint Honours in English and History, an MA in English, an MSc in Information and Library Studies, specialising in the study of Graphic Novels, and a PG Dip in Children’s Literature.

As a member of the Youth Libraries Group National committee, I’m responsible for keeping up to date with current publishing trends, encouraging discussion and awareness of new and diverse fiction, championing dynamic independent publishers and promoting Reading for Pleasure through social media. Eastbourne was not only an ideal opportunity to achieve these goals but also to connect with professionals in my field and share ideas for engaging young people in reading.
I believe that books can act as magical portals that can connect with your emotions and transport you to other worlds so I was excited by the diverse programme on offer at the Grand Hotel which included panels on the immersive power of verse novels, books in translation, nuanced middle grade fiction, and Building your Empathy as a Superpower.
When characters step off the page into your heart and mind after you finish the last chapter, that’s a wondrous journey into reading. This was evident in Eastbourne where creations came to life through the power of language. The Victorian charm of the seaside resort, a haunt of both Charles Dickens and Lewis Carroll, was the perfect backdrop for an intense and fulfilling one day conference. Eager delegates were entertained by an array of exciting, informative speakers promoting valuable book choices for young people.

Highlights included sponsor Askew and Holt’s representative Stephen Mitchell’s impassioned speech about his first journey to a library, the 10th anniversary of the Klaus Flugge Prize for illustration and author Kate Mosse’s talk about her balanced and empowering new book Feminist History for Every Day of the Year, which explores the lives of 366 amazing females throughout history.

Darren Chetty and Karen Sands O’Connor, expanding on their incisive Beyond the Secret Garden columns for Books for Keeps magazine gave us insight into racially minoritised people in British Children’s literature and commended the Reflecting Realities diversity review of the Carnegie Medals in 2017. They highlighted important authors like Joseph Coelho, winner of the 2024 Carnegie Medal for Writing, Patrice Lawrence and Zainab Mian, emphasizing the need to encourage children and teachers to have “critical conversations about books and representation.” Karen hopes their new book will introduce readers to “books that make kids think, philosophise and empathise.”

There was an amazement of authors present including Northern Irish writers Gyasi Sheppy and Sophie Kirtley, debut author Jack MacKay presenting Gloam, his Middle grade horror with heart, Tia Fisher, Manjeet Mann, Dean Atta, Philip Reeve, Sarah McIntyre and Rashmi Sirdeshpande.

Jack Meggitt Phillips, the charismatic author of The Beast and the Bethany series, YA dystopian author Sharada Keats and picture book writer Marcela Ferreira talked about the mechanics of writing and getting published, commending the work of the GLL Literary Foundation, a support programme for authors run by libraries.
YLG also celebrated Errol Lloyd, who was the first black illustrator to be shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award with My Brother Sean [1973] and was also nominated for the Carnegie Medal in 1995 with his teenage novel, Many Rivers to Cross, by awarding him a YLG Honorary membership while Otter Barry Books were acknowledged for their sterling support of libraries.
With an atmospheric exhibition, crafted themed book buns, a rapid-fire Publisher’s Road Show and a book shop provided by The Book Nook Brighton, contentment was complete. Ably hosted by passionate conference organisers YLG Chair Jenny Hawke, past Carnegie Medal Chair of Judges Maura Farrelly and Exhibition Manager Caroline Fielding, this day of reading enrichment surrounded by people full of good will and a pride in the work of librarians was ended with a fish supper on the magnificent pier and nostalgic music playing in the distance.

On Sunday the CEO of CILIP Louis Coffait-Gunn gave a candid speech at nearby Meads Hall on how librarian professionals are vital to the empowerment of young people and society, positively impacting on learning, inclusion and cohesion, intellectual freedom, trust, democracy, human rights and health and well-being. He also responded to pertinent questions from the audience concerning the profile of libraries on the political stage and measures being taken to support the profession.
His talk was perfectly balanced by group discussions on a number of issues affecting the library profession, including AI, where everyone shared good practice to take back to their organisations. As a finale there was a joyful interactive illustrated poetry session presented by Michaela Morgan and Nick Sharratt. It was the perfect end to a lively, entertaining and productive conference, a testament to the educative value, versatility and professionalism of the craft of librarianship.