The Library of Birmingham is one of the most extraordinary buildings in Europe. Ten floors, a golden latticework facade, a rooftop garden, and a children’s library that feels like the inside of a story. Every week, children come to discover books. In October 2023, they also came to discover something else: that a child can be the author.
Jayce Joyce was 4 years old. He walked into the children’s section of the Library of Birmingham, sat down with a group of children his own age, and read them his book.
It was the first time in the library’s history that a child author had led a storytime session.
The Black History Month Story Time Special
The session took place as part of Black History Month — a fitting occasion for a session led by a young Black author from Birmingham, whose books centre diverse characters and inclusive stories. The library later described it as “a sensational event.” Jayce, they said, “inspired our youngest library visitors with an informative question and answer session.”
Sixty Year 2 children from Nelson Primary School were also in attendance. Their KS1 English Lead later wrote: “Jayce captivated their imaginations by reading his book Jayce’s Sweet Tooth and patiently answered their numerous questions. His enthusiasm for literature and his ability to connect with young minds made the visit memorable and inspiring. The children left with a renewed love for reading and a deeper appreciation for the world of books.”
Why this moment matters
Children’s authors are usually adults. Adults who remember what childhood felt like, who reconstruct it in prose, who speak from a distance about what it means to be young. Jayce speaks from inside it. When he reads to children his own age, something happens that is very difficult to manufacture: recognition. They see someone who looks like them, sounds like them, is them — and that person is an author.
That changes what feels possible.
Jayce continues to visit libraries, schools, and community venues across Birmingham and beyond. If you would like to book a storytime session for your school or library, visit our school visits page.
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