October Jones is an award-winning librarian, literacy advocate, and a champion of children’s literature and illustration. She specializes in library innovation, industry collaboration, and inclusive programming, ensuring libraries thrive as hubs for storytelling, creativity, and community engagement.

As Wandsworth Literary Champion for the GLL Literary Foundation, October leads author partnerships, industry engagement, and library-led literacy initiatives, working closely with schools, community groups, children’s reading charities, and publishers. She spearheaded the ‘Revive Roehampton’ project, increasing library footfall and event engagement, earning recognition as a ‘Library of the Year’ Regional & County Finalist/Highly Commendable Runner-Up (2025) at the British Book Awards. Recognized as a National Literacy Trust 'Literacy Champion' (2024) for her ‘The Bigger Picture’ project, she also won the SYP ‘First Chapter’ Award (2024) for her collaboration with the book industry. As Chairperson of CILIP's YLG SE, she develops training programs that equip librarians to create inclusive, engaging reading spaces.

In addition to judging BBC 500 Words, The Diverse Book Awards, The Spark! Book Awards, and other upcoming industry prizes, October is a leading voice in spooky children’s literature and illustration, celebrating the magical, macabre, and mysterious through @octoberjonesco, www.octoberjones.co.uk, and her upcoming podcast, Around the Cauldron.