The Spring 2024 Swogger Literary Salon was held at the Lumberyard Arts Center on Thursday, April 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event celebrated the powerful realistic fiction of author Judy Blume. Are You There Reader? Coming of Age with Judy Blume was developed by Baker University Director of Library Services Melanie Massey as part of the Primary Text program.
Seniors Amber and Amanda Vega greeted and checked guests in at the door. Themed refreshments, which included peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chocolate, multiple flavors of fudge, and freckle juice, were set up for guests in a small room just off the main room.
The room was decorated with items representing many of Judy Blume’s books and the event had a photo booth. At the photo booth, large friendship bracelets were draped over the backdrops, and a friendship bracelet garland was hung above a door that served as the focal point of the event.
Professor of English Dr. Joanne Nystrom Janssen began the discussion by introducing the audience to Massey. Janssen included quotes from those close to Massey, including her husband and children, who were in attendance, faculty members like Department Chair and Professor of Education Dr. Charlsie Prosser, and students.
“Melanie goes above and beyond for both faculty and students in cultivating a love of literature in a truly authentic way,” Dr. Prosser said of Massey. “Plus, we all love her many book recommendations. I know I have found myself reading when I should have been grading.”
After being welcomed to the podium, Massey told the audience about Judy Blume’s life starting from her hometown of Elizabeth, New Jersey, which is the setting of several of Blume’s books, to her life now in Key West, Fla.
“She rides a bike, a lot like the one Andrea loaned us tonight,” Massey said, pointing to the photo booth area across the Lumberyard. “And she goes from her apartment on the beach to her bookstore.”
Massey took the audience on a journey through Blume’s life, books, and activism. She spoke in-depth about Blume’s different eras of writing. From children’s books to young adult and adult novels, Massey highlighted how Blume’s writing has affected generations.
The next Swogger Literary Salon, a discussion about the books and life of author Toni Morrison led by Dr. Tamara Slankard, will be held in Fall 2024.
