The university, under the leadership of Dr. William D. McCain, and the Library Science department hosted the Conference on the Writing, Illustrating, and Publishing of Children's Books, the first of what soon became the annual Children's Book Festival.
A significant event was organized by the university, led by Dr. William D. McCain, in conjunction with the Library Science department, focusing on the writing, illustrating, and publishing of children's books, which ultimately gave rise to a recurring annual festival dedicated to children's literature.