Centre for Youth Literature

The Centre for Youth Literature (CYL) helps connect Australian teenagers with books, stories, writing – and each other.

We run friendly events and digital programs with young adults and industry professionals: teachers, librarians, publishers, booksellers, illustrators and writers.

Reading Matters

Reading Matters is Australia's leading youth literature program. Share ideas with colleagues from across the country, find inspiration in outstanding talent and mull over the thorny ethical issues facing teenage readers today.

Story Camp

Story Camp is a free four-hour workshop (including lunch and transport) held over three days at State Library Victoria for young people from eligible schools in Greater Melbourne. In 2017, Story Camp will be held on 4–6 July and 26–28 September.

Inky Awards

'Adult prizes are judged by adults; young adult prizes should be judged by young adults.'
– Lily, age 14, Inky Awards 2013 judge

Australia's annual awards for new youth literature, the Inky Awards are decided by young adults. We run a year-long program of events and celebrations, featuring:

a mentorship program for teen judges
an exciting array of longlisted books – see the 2017 longlist
a quality shortlist of 10 Australian and international books
a public vote by teen readers
the Inky Awards ceremony, held at State Library Victoria.

Voting for the 2017 awards will run from 15 August, when the shortlist will be announced, until 17 September. The winners will be announced on 2 October 2017 at an event to be held at State Library Victoria.

Inside a dog

'Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to read.'
– Groucho Marx

A safe space for teenagers to talk together about books and stories, our popular and fun Inside a dog website is Australia's peer book-reviewing site for young people.

Meet the writers

Digital writer in residence

Chat with published writers and illustrators, as each month our resident reveals the secrets of their creative processes.

Teen writer in residence

Read the monthly Writer in Residence column, and gain insights into a teen author's thoughts about writing and reading.

Professional development programs

Shift alt story: an introduction to storytelling

Shift alt story is a new online course focusing on storytelling in a digital age. Designed as an introduction for professionals working with young adults, it is an interactive online learning community.

YA showcase

Publishers of youth literature share highlights from the year, alongside their most anticipated forthcoming titles for the year ahead.

Public and school library networks

We regularly present on youth literature trends, recommendations and innovations at conferences and for partner organisations' development programs.