We’re holding an event to mark this year’s RSL Pioneer Prize and you’re invited! Swipe to see the line-up 👉

Tickets are available now: https://events.bl.uk/events/rsl-presents-the-pioneer-prize

Some very special moments from our Bourdain Supper Club collaboration with Honey & Co and Bloomsbury Publishing 🍽️

Don’t miss out on some of our last events of the year - tickets available now: https://rsliterature.org/what-is-on/

We’ve got great news for writers across the UK and RoI – the 2026 RSL Ondaatje Prize is now taking submissions! 🥳

Applications are open until 5pm on 12 December 2025. Apply now: https://rsliterature.org/rsl-ondaatje-prize/

Something very exciting has arrived at our office here in Somerset House 👀

Join us for our Pioneer Prize event at the British Library on 30 November to honour Maureen Duffy's impact and legacy: https://rsliterature.org/whats-on/rsl-presents-the-pioneer-prize/

We’re delighted to welcome A.L. Kennedy, Louise Kennedy and Derek Owusu to our judging panel for the 2026 Christopher Bland Prize.

The award is now open for entries until 5pm on Friday 5 December 2025: https://rsliterature.org/rsl-christopher-bland-prize/

We had an amazing time watching a performance of Lifers, a new show presented by Synergy Theatre Project.

Exploring the reality of ageing in prison, Lifers was written by Evan Placey, who received our 2018 Literature Matters Award in support of the project. Now showing at Southwark Playhouse!

The 2026 Christopher Bland Prize is now open for entry 🏆

Closing 5pm on Friday 5 December 2025: https://rsliterature.org/rsl-christopher-bland-prize/

Join us for the launch of the RSL Pioneer Prize, a new initiative which will spotlight and celebrate writers who have been trailblazers in their field.

📅 Sunday 30 November, 2:30pm
📍 The British Library/Online
🎟️ £15 in-person/£5 online, FREE for RSL Members/Fellows

https://ow.ly/uVRX50X3AwC

Last week we had the pleasure of presenting Richard Ovenden with this year’s Benson medal at a very special celebration with Bodleian Libraries.

Richard was joined by RSL chair Ruth Scurr and director Laura Greenfield for the UK premiere of The Librarians Film a new documentary by Kim A. Snyder.

Congratulations to the winner of the inaugural RSL Pioneer Prize, Maureen Duffy 🎉

Duffy received news of her award earlier this month when Evaristo visited her at home. Watch the full video here: youtu.be/9ZB_AHdm4ts?...

The RSL today marks the 200th anniversary of its incorporation with a Royal Charter ✒️

In celebration, Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social has digitised a selection of archive materials which they are making public today for the first time: cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/collections/...