Writing Residency and Fellowship Now Recognizes Former Board Member
The Associates of the Boston Public Library is proud to dedicate our Writer-in-Residence program and Illustrated Children’s Book Fellowship to the memory of Alan Andres, a longtime board member whose vision and dedication shaped the Associates’ work for nearly three decades. The two fellowships will now be known as the Alan Andres Writer-in-Residence and the Alan Andres Illustrated Children’s Book Fellowship, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire emerging writers for young readers.
Associates Board Chair Alyce J. Lee announced the dedication at the organization’s annual Reading and Celebration on October 7, 2025, in Rabb Hall at the Boston Public Library. “It was Alan who initially drew the connection for all of us between our mission of preserving the critical works of the past and supporting the creation of new works to enrich our future. From the initial vision until just this past spring when he passed away, Alan’s devotion to these programs, quite literally, knew no bounds.”
The event celebrated three young writers. Zarlasht Niaz, the incoming 2025–26 Alan Andres Writer-in-Residence, read a portion of her proposed young adult novel-in-verse, UNFURLING. Jessica Ruan, the inaugural Illustrated Children’s Book Fellow, presented a reading of her proposed manuscript for 3–5-year-olds, A Hundred Thousand, accompanied by a projection of her original illustrations. Finally, Yssis Cano-Santiago gave a short reading from her completed young adult manuscript, The Hypochondriac’s Guide to Love, and, in keeping with tradition, presented it to BPL President David Leonard for inclusion in the library’s archives.
Thanks to the generous anonymous investor, the Associates' Writer-in-Residence program has supported emerging writers for more than twenty years. This year, the investor has added support for the Illustrated Children’s Book Fellow. Writer-in-Residece program alumni have published or have forthcoming 80 books, a testament to the enduring impact of the program and to Alan’s belief in nurturing new voices who write for young readers.
Thank you to everyone who attended our Reading and Celebration last night, and for those who missed it, enjoy the event recording.