Today's Hours:
By Michael Gardner '25
On Thursday, November 7, Framingham State will be hosting the annual Swiacki Children’s Literature Festival in the McCarthy Center. Everyone is encouraged to attend and it runs from 3pm to 8:30pm. I got the chance to interview Samantha Westall, who is on the festival committee. For more information about the festival’s events, visit the FSU website.
What is your name and where are you from?
I'm Samantha Westall, though everyone calls me Sam. I grew up in Charlton, Massachusetts, though I've lived outside of Massachusetts as well.
What is the festival and what is your role in it?
I am an active member of the festival committee, and this will be the second year that Laura Hudock and I present the “What’s New in Children’s Literature?” session. In this presentation, Laura and I curate a list of up to 100 titles, from picture books to young adult, including fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels. All titles must be published during the year of the presentation and meet our criteria for quality and engagement.
How long has the festival been taking place?
The Swiacki Children’s Literature Festival was established in 2014 after a decade of university sponsorship. Originally founded as the David McCord Children’s Literature Festival in 1986, it was co-sponsored by the NOBSCOT Reading Council and held in the Curriculum Library. Swiacki Children's Literature Libguide has a list of all past guest speakers.
What are some of the most memorable things to come out of the festival?
One memorable highlight was in 2018, when Matt de la Peña spoke at the festival. I coordinated with Framingham Public Schools so he could visit all three middle schools and the high school the following day. In 2023, we coordinated with Framingham High School for our featured speaker, Dashka Slater, to present there the day after the festival. This collaboration opened doors on the FSU campus, highlighting Dashka and our other speaker Ekua’s work, and addressing critical topics like book banning in the U.S.
Why is the festival so important? What do you hope to get out of it this year?
This festival is one of the last reasonably priced, university-based festivals in New England, thanks to our dedicated committee. We work hard to bring notable, award-winning authors and illustrators to campus, offering students free access to the evening sessions. For me, the festival’s importance lies in seeing students connect with authors who share their lived experiences. There’s a unique energy when students engage with someone they identify with, sparking inspiration and a sense of community that supports their dreams. This year, like every year, I hope everyone who attends feels engaged and leaves with a new book to try in their classrooms or libraries, along with fresh insights to broaden their perspectives.
What will the event include this year?
This year, we’re thrilled to feature 2024 Coretta Scott King winner Ibi Zoboi and Duncan Tonatiuh, a Pura Belpré award-winning illustrator. During the day, both guests will speak to selected classes and events on campus. The public event begins at 3:30 PM with a book signing in the Mazmanian Gallery, followed by Laura’s and my “What’s New in Children’s Literature?” presentation at 4:30 PM in the McCarthy Forum. The evening wraps up with a dinner and the guest speaker portion in the dining annex, concluding around 8–8:30 PM. (Register here!)
What is your favorite children’s book/author to recommend?
I actually laughed at this question! I’m a firm believer in Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop’s “Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors” theory. Before making a recommendation, I like to ask questions: What genres do you enjoy? Do you prefer a certain type of main character? Are you interested in a story, information, or a graphic novel? From there, I get a sense of what the reader needs—whether it’s a mirror of their own experience or a window into someone else’s. For a librarian, it’s all about finding the right book for the right person at the right time.
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