London Library backs Jacaranda project celebrating black British writers

The London Library has joined forces with indie publisher Jacaranda for its #Twentyin2020 project, celebrating black British writers.

Working in collaboration with Words of Colour, the programme will dedicate a year to publishing 20 works by black British writers. 

The London Library has given the Twenty in 2020 cohort two years membership to the library. The partnership will also entail an event series over the course of 2020 featuring ambassadors, Jacaranda and the Twenty in 2020 authors. 

Director of the London Library Philip Marshall said “We are keen to develop programmes more specifically focused on supporting diversity and from the moment we heard about the Twenty in 2020 project we knew this was an initiative we wanted to be involved in. Black British writers have so much to offer but they have often struggled to get the publishing recognition they deserve - the 2020 project will help make a real difference for them.”

Twenty in 2020 author Olivia Danso and Arts and prizes project manager at the Book Trust, added: "I feel really honoured to become a member of the London Library, which has been a safe haven for so many great British writers in our history. I'm especially grateful to Jacaranda for the opportunity, and as a longtime lover of libraries, the bookworm in me is thrilled!"

This news comes after Jacaranda and Foyles announced their joint retail partnership for the Twenty in 2020 initiative last week.