Library hosts afternoon of out-of-this-world fun

The force will be strong at the Coeur d’Alene Library on Saturday.

The library is hosting Star Wars Reads Day. It’s the third annual event, part of a now international celebration started by Disney Publishing Worldwide and its partners.

“We have lots of staff on board who are real ‘Star Wars’ fans,” said Susan Thorpe, youth services supervisor at the library.

Jedis young and old are invited to take part in the festivities.

“This year it’s going to be heavy on the crafts,” Thorpe said. Among the options: Yoda ears, refrigerator magnets and lightsabers made with paper towel tubes.

Library staff will have games set up, including pin the lightsaber on Yoda and a defeat the Death Star paper airplane contest.

And snacks fit the theme as well: TIE fighter cookies and Yoda soda, anyone?

A costume contest is open to adults and children. Last year, “we just had an assortment of really wild costumes,” Thorpe said.

The children will pick the winner, who will take home a prize, Thorpe said. There will also be a prize for the winner of a trivia contest.

Some members of the library staff will be dressed as “Star Wars” characters, including Obi-Wan Kenobi, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Queen Amidala, and a puppy dressed as Darth Vader. Thorpe is planning to dress as Qui-Gon Jinn.

And, every child who attends will be able to take home a book to keep.

Last year, more than 100 people came to the event.

“I just love to see the enthusiasm of the patrons,” Thorpe said.

For those who can’t make it to the library, you can find an activity booklet online to print for some fun at home. Visit www.starwars.com/events to find the link.

Kimberly Lusk

What: Star Wars Reads Day

When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday

Where: Community Room, Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave.

Cost: Free, but the library is asking people to sign up. Call (208) 769-2315 to RSVP.

More information: www.cdalibrary.org/events