Communities around Australia are bringing authors into their schools, libraries and bookstores as part of the LitUp program.
The first round of the LitUp pilot program is in full swing, with communities around New South Wales and Queensland welcoming a range of Australian authors and illustrators into their schools, libraries and bookstores.
LitUp is a live literature initiative from Australia Reads, supporting Australian schools and communities to create and run events with authors and illustrators.
We’re thrilled to see the reach and impact of the program so far. Read our key updates below and submit your EOI to participate in the second round of the program.
Connecting reading communities
A great book event takes a community. As part of the LitUp program we’re supporting schools, libraries and bookstores to work together to bring inspiring authors and illustrators into their communities.
LitUp is more than a funding program – it’s about giving communities the support, resources and opportunities to connect around a love of books and reading.
Participants of LitUp come out with the confidence of learning new skills, as well as new networks to collaborate with on future events.
“With LitUp’s support, we were able to host an author who would otherwise have been beyond our budget, while also strengthening connections between schools and libraries and creating valuable networks for future collaboration.”
– Sarah Ziemba, LitUp participant & teacher librarian, East Maitland
Authors and illustrators announced
The first authors and illustrators for the 2026 LitUp program have been announced.
In New South Wales, Kate & Jol Temple will be heading to Hilltops, Katrina Nannestad will be welcomed by readers in Coffs Harbour, Gus Gordon will be presenting in Inverell and Dub Leffler is heading to Newcastle.
While over in Queensland, James Foley will be taking his Bigfoot and Yeti to Cairns, Jack Heath is appearing at events in Pimlico, and Charlotte Barkla will be presenting at Quilpie.
Other participating authors include Alessha Darlinson, Deb Abela, Sami Bayly, Meredith Costain and more to be announced!
“I’m looking forward to participating in Australia Reads’ nationwide LitUp program. Storytelling, illustration and literacy can ignite the untapped potential in everyone, especially children. Get fired up with LitUp!”
– Dub Leffler, participating LitUp author
Books gifted to communities
Thanks to the generosity of our existing supporters Creative Australia and the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund, and new supporter the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, we have been able to purchase significant book packs for the communities involved in the LitUp pilot program, connecting them with local booksellers and allowing them to create classroom sets, library sets, and offer prizes to participating young people.
With thanks to the wonderful booksellers involved: Wise Words Bookshop in Moree, The Turning Page in Springwood, Newcastle’s McLean’s Booksellers, Grafton Book Warehouse, Harry Hartog Maitland, Collins Books Tamworth, Orange and Canabolas, Cairns Books, Book Tree Toowoomba, One More Page Book Emporium, MaryWho? Bookshop and Booktopia.
EOIs are now open for the second round of the LitUp program. Find out more and submit your EOI now.