You don't have to be a Jedi to master reading
Photos: DEVIN HEILMAN/Press Evie Rau, 8, requests a Storm Trooper’s assistance with her scavenger hunt list as her mom, Danielle, smiles at their conversation Saturday during “Star Wars Reads Day” at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library.
Lila Roberts, 11, on stage, thrusts her arm out to defeat “Kylo Ren” with her Jedi powers during “Star Wars Reads Day” in the Coeur d’Alene Public Library on Saturday. Lila and her sister Loren, 14, far left, with blue and purple hair, trained several waves of young Jedis at the event.
COEUR d’ALENE — The Force was strong in the Coeur d'Alene Public Library as "Star Wars Reads Day” transformed the building’s lower level into a sci-fi spectacular on Saturday.
"We have a ton of 'Star Wars' books," said Amber Young, library circulation clerk and event co-organizer. "For me, personally, what got me interested in reading was the 'Star Wars' books. This is the way to celebrate reading and celebrate 'Star War' and everything that we have."
Star Wars Reads Day is a program to encourage early reading while enjoying the culture of one of the most popular franchises in history. This was the fifth year the library hosted the event.
Kids learned how to maneuver like their heroes during Jedi training sessions with die-hard Star Wars fans. These included sisters Lila and Loren Roberts, 11 and 14, who dressed as characters Rey, the protagonist from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," and Mandalorian warrior Sabine Wren from "Star Wars: Rebels," a 3D, computer-generated imagery animated television series.
Attendees also built light sabers and designed headbands at different craft stations, played "Star Wars" games, and they devoured "Star Wars"-themed treats that they washed down with "Yoda soda."
Members of the 501st Legion, a "Star Wars" costuming group, wandered around the room dressed as Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and other Imperial characters.
Evie Rau, 8, her hair wound into neat Princess Leia buns, stopped a Storm Trooper to assist her with a scavenger hunt.
"I was telling him about number one here," she said, using her pencil to show the first item on her list.
Her mom, Danielle, of Dalton Gardens, said their family loves the franchise because they've all grown up with it.
"They love seeing the characters here," she said. "I actually used to work for Lucasfilm a long time ago. I worked in archives at Skywalker Ranch for 'Episode I.' That's our link, so I'm like, 'We've got to support 'Star Wars!'"
Evie said she really likes the action of the films.
"I like all the light saber fighting and stuff," she said.