May the Fourth Be With You!

I remember seeing the first Star Wars movie (Episode IV to be precise) in the theater when I was a kid. Because I was only six years old, I don’t remember the movie as much as the line of people who were waiting to get into the theater in a small town in Indiana. Eventually, like most kids growing up in the 1980s, Star Wars became a big part of my life.

We had lightsabers made from wrapping paper tubes and would shout “It’s a trap!” as we ran around the neighborhood pretending we were in a galaxy far, far away.

As an adult, I realized Star Wars taught me some valuable lessons. When I face a challenge, I may think of the short, green sage who taught us to “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” When I’m having an off day, I may say, “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” Or when I need to remain focused, my mantra is “Stay on target.” Also, who hasn’t waved their hands to “open” an automatic door at the grocery store?

I have found “the Force” is strong with the Library too. I was giddy to find more than 1,500 results for Star Wars in our catalog, including DVDs, books, eBooks, CDs, audiobooks, graphic novels, streaming videos, and even online periodicals!

If you’re interested in sharing your love of Star Wars with others, MCPL can help your Community Book Group find books about the movies, characters, and the entire Star Wars universe! Email Booktalk@mymcpl.org to get started.

Finally, MCPL has several events that will engage young and old(er) minds with space this summer:

• Explore and experience Science City: Force and Motion.
• Shoot for the Moon celebrates NASA’s plan to return to the moon.
• Learn about JWST - The Next Space Telescope that will live one million miles away from Earth. (AKA, a galaxy far, far away)

So, have a movie marathon, get those action figures out, build some toy models, and don your costumes as you celebrate Star Wars Day this year! And remember: The Force will be with you. Always.

Jodi OK
Marketing & Communications