Padawan in training

Star Wars Reads Day exposes families to whimsical world

Members+of+Rebel+Legion+stand+around+one+of+cosplayers+reading+a+book+during+Star+Wars+Reads+Day+on+Saturday%2C+Oct.+12.

Rachel Blake

Members of Rebel Legion stand around one of cosplayers reading a book during Star Wars Reads Day on Saturday, Oct. 12.

The Bennett Children’s Wing of the Lewisville Public Library is normally a quiet, peaceful place. On Saturday, Oct. 12, the library came to life, filled with Star Wars fans of all ages. The all-day event, known as Star Wars Reads Day, allowed for the community to see what the library has to offer, apart from books.

“Libraries are always looking for ways to bring in new users and build a new audience,” youth services librarian Carole Chandler said. “Things like this promote reading and literature, but also tie into other interests and aspects of pop culture like television and film.”

At the event, four cosplayers interacted with the families in attendance, taking photos and making crafts with children. The cosplayers, members of the Rebel Legion, volunteer their time to show the younger generations the magic of the Star Wars universe.

“It’s an amateur costuming group that’s been given permission [to use characters] by Disney and Lucas Films Limited,” cosplayer Julie Koenig said. “We are a worldwide costuming group. We do charity events and [Star Wars Reads Day] is one of our events.”

Koenig, who plays Jedi librarian Jocasta Nu, loves volunteering with the Rebel Legion for events like Star Wars Reads Day because she enjoys making connections with those she serves. The Rebel Legion also works with the Make-A-Wish foundation and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Through a shared love of Star Wars, she sees the community unite.

“[The best part is] the interaction with the kids, seeing the smiles on their faces and introducing them to new characters,” Koenig said. “They don’t always know who I am, unless their parents are really serious Star Wars fans. We just try to expand the universe and people’s knowledge of the universe.”

While the event was designed for kids, parents also enjoyed it. Sporting matching Star Wars merch with their kids, parents had smiles on their faces while watching their kids run around and pretend to be Jedi. One parent, Sarah Sakry, came with her two daughters who were dressed up in their own cosplays of Rey and Jyn Erso.

“I grew up with Star Wars and I love being able to share it with my kids,” Sakry said. “Especially now that there’s a place for women now in the universe.”

At Star Wars Reads Day, all ages of Star Wars fans were welcome to meet the characters and enjoy the Jedi Training room. Chandler hopes the event expanded the community’s perspective on what activities are possible at the library.

“An important aspect of events like this is finding things where different generations can come together and enjoy an event,” Chandler said. “Star Wars fans run from young children all the way up to adults. Something like this is a great way to raise awareness for people who don’t realize how many things the library does.”