Every year on May 4th the force is especially strong with Star Wars fans of all ages. What began as a clever turn of phrase referring to the classic film line has since become a semi-official holiday celebrating George Lucas’ iconic franchise.
Let’s start with a little honesty. It’s not that I’m not a Star Wars fan. I’ve seen the original trilogy and the new releases, and I’ve enjoyed them just fine, particularly The Force Awakens–despite a young patron’s assertion to me that Rey is “the face that killed a franchise” (I respectfully disagree). I can understand why the story and characters are so revered. Star Wars is an epic space opera mixed with a Greek tragedy, playing on quintessential archetypes and the tried and true hero myth. To say they are films that stir my soul would be a lie, though they certainly speak to millions of viewers across the world and are a bona fide cultural phenomenon.
At the Levittown Public Library, we not only carry all of the Star Wars installments, but we also have available numerous spin-off books, as well as other nonfiction books that explore the stories in a multitude of ways, including visual effects, character biographies, and more. Many of these can be found in the Children’s Room and include popular series such as Jedi Academy and the Origami Yoda series. The adult side is not lacking, however, with numerous novels inspired by the films, in addition to some popular graphic novel adaptations. Anyone interested in beefing up their Star Wars exposure should explore our catalog or contact the appropriate department and ask for a librarian’s assistance.
We know Levittowners love Star Wars! In the Children’s Room, we’ll be celebrating May the 4th with a full day of programming. At 10:30 a.m. in our Storyhour Room, we will offer Starry Storytime, a Star Wars/outer space-themed storytime for children ages 3-7. We’ll read stories, sing songs, and play a fun game (hint: it involves Master Yoda). Later, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., in our large Community Room, children in grades 3-6 can stop by to try our Star Wars Spheros. Spheros are small-scale robots that are controlled by iPads. These in particular replicate our favorite droids, including R2-D2 and BB8. Children will have 10 minute sessions to play and may continue as long as no one else is waiting to use that particular Sphero. Admittance for both the Starry Storytime and the Star Wars Spheros will be on a first come-first serve basis. Due to the size of our Storyhour Room, we will have to limit the number of attendees for Starry Storytime, so make sure you get here by 10:30 a.m. (or a few minutes before) to give you and your child the best shot at making it in! Throughout the day, we will also have Star Wars crafts available for all ages to make in our Children’s Room, as well as coloring pages and a display of Star Wars materials. Visitors can even snap a photo with some cardboard character cutouts!
Appropriately, May 4th is also Free Comic Book Day! This is an awesome chance to support your local comic book store–and your public library, of course! The Young Adult Department will be hosting their Geek Out Fandom Club, this time with a focus on Free Comic Book Day and Star Wars Day. Teens can stop by to get a free comic book (while supplies last), make a craft, and/or try out the littleBits Droid Kit. Younger readers are also welcome to celebrate Free Comic Book Day in the Children’s Room. Children with a juvenile Levittown Public Library card can show their card to the children’s librarian and receive a free comic book to take home (again, while supplies last).
May the fourth be with you all! We hope to see you at the Library, enjoying Star Wars Day.
In the words of Yoda: Visit, you must.
Happy Reading,
Jess
