Kevin Brennan MP met celebrated children’s writer Jacqueline Wilson at a reception to mark the 25th Anniversary of Public Lending Right.  Ms Wilson is the most borrowed author from British Libraries and has just had two of her books published in the Welsh language.    

Mr Brennan said “As the father of a ten year old girl I know all about the importance of public libraries and writers like Jacqueline Wilson who encourage children to acquire the habit of reading.  Our libraries give everyone the chance to fulfil their potential, and we should do all we can to maintain and enhance them.”

The reception, organised in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals (CILIP), was attended by some of the country’s best-known authors including Jilly Cooper, Lady Antonia Fraser and Joanna Trollope.

Public Lending Right has been serving authors for 25 years since the PLR Act received royal assent on 22 March 1979.  After a 30-year campaign by the nation’s authors the Act finally recognised authors and other rights holders’ legal right to receive a fair return for the public’s free use of their work through public libraries.  

Public Lending Right has become one of the UK’s cultural success stories.  The scheme provides vital economic support for authors, illustrators, translators and editors.  Since 1979 Public Lending Right has distributed almost £83 million to rights holders. 

Run by the Registrar, Dr Parker, from offices in Stockton-on-Tees, Public Lending Right is now an international phenomenon, with 17 countries operating PLR systems.  The UK’s scheme is seen as exemplary and the Registrar’s advice is sought around the globe.  

The benefit to authors and rights holders is twofold:  economic and emotional.  With 61% of authors earning less than half the national average wage the income itself is vital to the majority.  It also offers recognition of the public’s use and enjoyment of their work, building confidence in their own creativity and self-esteem in what for many can be an isolated existence.  In many cases Public Lending Right ensures that writers can afford to continue working, making their vital contribution to our creativity as a nation; ensuring that we retain our reputation for a rich and varied literary culture.