KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Children’s Book Collective (JCBC) has launched a national call for published children’s books that reflect Jamaican culture and experience as part of a first-of-its-kind initiative to increase young readers’ access to locally created literature.

Jamaican authors and publishers are invited to submit eligible books for children from birth to age 12 by Monday, August 24, 2026. Books selected through the independent review process will form part of a national collection to be made available at all 13 main parish libraries within the Jamaica Library Service network.

According to a JCBC press release, the initiative is being pioneered by the Jamaican Copyright Licensing Agency, JAMCOPY, in partnership with the Book Industry Association of Jamaica, the Jamaica Library Service and the Jamaica Book Festival. It seeks to promote literacy, strengthen the reading habit and ensure that more children can access engaging, age-appropriate books rooted in Jamaican life and culture.