Four decades after Framingham State University first began bringing some of the nation’s most celebrated children’s authors and illustrators to campus, the University will mark the 40th anniversary of its Swiacki Children’s Literature Festival with one of the most acclaimed voices in children’s literature: Lois Lowry, author of The Giver and Number the Stars.

The 40th annual festival will take place Thursday, Nov. 5, at Framingham State’s McCarthy Center. The event will feature a workshop on new children’s literature, an art exhibit, a book sale, a dinner and conversation with Lowry, and an opportunity to meet Lowry and other regional authors and illustrators at the festival’s book signing.

Lowry’s appearance comes at an especially exciting moment in her career. Her new novel, Building 903, was recently released on September 29. The novel returns to themes that have resonated throughout Lowry’s work, exploring a future society where books have been banned and two young people begin to uncover uncomfortable truths about the world around them. The Giver Deluxe Collector’s Edition was also released in September 2026.

“Lois Lowry has had an extraordinary impact on generations of young readers,” says Framingham State President Nancy S. Niemi “To welcome her to Framingham State as we celebrate 40 years of this festival is a wonderful opportunity to honor the power of children’s literature and the authors who encourage young people to question, imagine and see the world in new ways.”

Lowry is the author of more than 50 books for children and young adults, including the bestselling Giver Quartet and the popular Anastasia Krupnik series. She is one of only a small number of authors to have received the prestigious Newbery Medal twice, for Number the Stars and The Giver. Her many other honors include the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award and the Mark Twain Award.

The festival’s centerpiece will be the Mary Burns Memorial Lecture, featuring Lowry in conversation about her creative journey, inspirations and the enduring impact of her work on readers and educators. The evening will conclude with a book signing featuring Lois Lowry alongside the Festival’s workshop leaders: Jennifer De Leon, Anika Denise, Desmond Hall, Rajani LaRocca, Jarrett Lerner, Michelle MacLean ‘18, Casey W. Robinson, Jonathan Todd, Kip Wilson and Paul Yalowitz.

The festival will also feature the Pat Keogh Memorial Workshop, “What’s New in Children’s Literature?” from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., offering educators, librarians and others an opportunity to explore new trends, titles and voices in children’s books. 

Returning to the Festival for a second year, The Silver Unicorn Bookstore will host a vibrant book fair featuring Lois Lowry’s work, titles presented in the Keogh Memorial Workshop, and a collection of books written or illustrated by the festival’s workshop leaders. 

In the Mazmanian Gallery, visitors to the festival can explore the 40-year history of SCLF, view Festival’s art and essay contest winning entries, and experience the exhibit’s interactive book nook featuring titles from the many of the festival’s former featured authors and illustrators. The exhibit runs Nov. 3 through Dec. 11, with an opening reception during the festival.

The Swiacki Children’s Literature Festival began in 1986 as the David McCord Children’s Literature Festival, sponsored by the Nobscot Reading Council. Framingham State has hosted the festival since its inception and began coordinating it in 2006. In 2014, the festival was renamed in recognition of the support of alumnae donors Nancy and Janina Swiacki. Over the years, the festival has welcomed an extraordinary roster of authors and illustrators, including Eric Carle, Jerry Pinkney, Jane Yolen, Grace Lin, Nikki Grimes, David Wiesner, Jan Brett and many others.

The 40th Anniversary Swiacki Children’s Literature Festival is open to the public. Registration is required, and a Zoom option will be available for the workshop and Mary Burns Memorial Lecture. Free admission is available to Framingham State students with pre-registration.

For the full schedule, registration information and additional details, visit Framingham State’s Swiacki Children’s Literature Festival page.

The festival is also supported by The Silver Unicorn Bookstore, Arts & Ideas at Framingham State University and the Nobscot Reading Council.