Lowri Ifor

Jun 16, 2021

Lowri Ifor is a former teacher who has worked for the Welsh Slate Museum since 2018 as an Education and Events Officer and who also teaches a Welsh for Adults class. She was Children’s Books Editor at Gwasg Carreg Gwalch press from 2018–2019 and has been one of the editors of the Codi Pais magazine since 2018, as well as a member of the Noson Pedwar a Chwech committee which organises Welsh-language musical and literary events in the Caernarfon area.

“Like many others, reading has been a form of escapism for me during the past year, and the standard of books published recently shows that this is an exciting time for the publishing sector in Wales. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to join the Board and to support the work of the Council over the coming years.”

Linda Tomos

Jun 16, 2021

Linda Tomos has been a chartered librarian since 1975 and was the National Librarian for Wales from 2015–2019, leading the strategy of the National Library in Aberystwyth. She worked previously as a senior civil servant with the Welsh Government and was the first Director of CyMAL: Museums, Archives and Libraries Wales within the Department for Culture, Sport and Tourism. A former Chair of the Library and Information Services Council for Wales, she was Chair of the BBC Education Broadcasting Council Wales between 1999 and 2003 and Chair of the National Trust’s Advisory Board in Wales between 2016 and 2020.
“I am looking forward immensely to joining the Board and contributing to developing a strong voice for the Books Council’s vital work in Wales. Much has changed since 2020 and we need a publishing sector which is ambitious and ready to innovate as we face the challenges ahead. I have a particular interest in increasing opportunities to improve literacy and promote new audiences through digital media and it will be a great pleasure for me to be part of the Books Council’s work as a trustee.”

Dr Caroline Owen Wintersgill

Jun 16, 2021

Dr Caroline Owen Wintersgill is Lecturer in Publishing at University College London and Programme Director for the MA in Publishing. She has a PhD on reading, writing and publishing contemporary fiction, which involved work with reading groups across the UK as well as interviews with authors and publishers. Before moving into academia, Caroline worked for more than 25 years for leading publishers including Routledge, Bloomsbury and Manchester University Press. Alongside her teaching, Caroline has been editor-at-large for Biteback Publishing and Senior Consulting Editor for the US-based independent publisher, Lynne Rienner, since 2015.

“We are emerging from a tough year, with libraries and schools closed for long periods, and particular challenges for independent publishers and booksellers. The work of the Books Council of Wales in promoting reading and providing support to the brilliant Welsh book industry has never been more vital. As someone who is lucky enough to have spent a career in the book world and now has a job educating young publishers, I am passionate about the Books Council’s mission and honoured to be able to play a role as a new trustee.”

Professor Gerwyn Williams

Jun 16, 2021

Gerwyn Wiliams has been Professor of Welsh at Bangor University since 2005, and has worked at the School of Welsh since 1989. He has been a member of the Advisory Board of O’r Pedwar Gwynt magazine since 2019 and a member of the Board of Directors of Theatr Bara Caws since 2018. A former winner of the National Eisteddfod Crown (1994) and the Wales Book of the Year Award (1997), he has also judged a number of literature competitions including the National Eisteddfod’s Prose Medal in 2017 and the Wales Book of the Year in 2011. He was a board member of the Arts Council of Wales between 2010 and 2016.

“As somebody who believes passionately in the importance of literature, I warmly welcome this opportunity to join the new Board of Trustees of the Books Council of Wales. I know from experience that the work of this highly respected national body in supporting the books sector in Wales is vitally important – for authors, readers, publishers and booksellers alike. At a time of so many varied challenges, I look forward to helping the Council to continue as a body which remains sustainable, current and relevant for the future.”