Brixton library will host a celebration of the life of Alex Wheatle, the Brixton Bard, in February.
When he passed in March 2025, the literary world lost one of its leading lights.
Alex Wheatle was an award-winning novelist who wrote for both young adult and adult audiences.
His early years in a care home and later time in prison, as a result of his involvement in the Brixton Uprising of 1981, never dimmed his creativity or drive and he went on to become one of Britain’s most celebrated writers, receiving an MBE for services to literature.
At the heart of Alex Wheatle’s work was his commitment to inspiring the next generation of writers, and to unlocking people’s creativity and ambition, no matter what their background or walk of life.
He was a regular and generous supporter of Lambeth libraries, and the Herne Hill based Stepping Into Stories Festival, inspiring thousands of children through his workshops and talks.
In honour and memory of his impact and his legacy, the 2026 Stepping Into Stories Kids’ Lit Fest, in partnership with Lambeth libraries, will host the Alex Wheatle memorial event in Brixton Library on Wednesday 4 February, from 6.30 to 8pm.
After fun sessions with young people, it will celebrate Alex’s life and work, with multi-award-winning authors who have been influenced by him, reading from his work and sharing recollections of his influence.
Members of Alex’s family have also been invited.
The centrepiece of this event will be the unveiling and official re-naming of a room at the library as the Alex Wheatle Reading Room.
“Future generations of readers and writers will find a space to develop their own creative practice, away from the pressures of the world, and to keep his legacy of ‘writing for all’ alive,” said the organisers.
The event will also launch Lambeth libraries’ National Year of Reading programme as well as the new Black Classic Literature Collection which brings together timeless works in a selection of novels, essays, memoirs, and poetry.
