Approximately 100 people tapped into the force Saturday at “Star Wars” Day, a first-time event at the Zion-Benton Public Library.
The library’s celebration included “Star Wars” crafts, a scavenger hunt, a photo booth backdrop with oversized cardboard figures such as Luke Skywalker and games with a “Star Wars” theme. And, of course, visitors could come dressed in costumes.
Chewbacca, the renowned scruffy Wookiee warrior and Han Solo’s co-pilot, was portrayed by Jill Knuth, a youth services librarian.
”I’ve always been a ‘Star Wars’ fan,” she said. “I’ve been to big conventions and everything.”
While Chewbacca is a beloved character, Knuth’s favorite franchise celebrity is C-3PO, the golden robot who is like a butler or voice of reason for its companions.
The franchise, “just brings families together through fantasy, fun, just overall, the lore of ‘Star Wars,’” Knuth said. Especially for children, Knuth believes that “Star Wars” teaches, “That there’s always hope.
”Don’t give up; never give up,” Knuth said. “There are a lot of things that you can take away from ‘Star Wars.’”
Michelle Stinson, the community engagement librarian, brought daughters Zinnia, 6, and Adelaide, 4.
“The last time I’ve actually seen ‘Star Wars’ was when I was a kid myself,” she said. “But I just thought that it brought a lot of creativity to not only the parents who were watching it, but to the kids as well, and I’m trying to introduce my kids to things I watched or enjoyed while I was a child.“
Rosa Medrano of Zion accompanied her grandchildren, the Serrato siblings of Zion, Valentina, 5, and Amalia, 6.
“I’m happy for them, they wanted to come,” she said with a smile.
Medrano has “not really” watched “Star Wars,” but is aware of the character of Darth Vader.
“What I like about this library is that they make a lot of events for the kids,” she said. “Every time we can, we bring them.”
Ayden Moore, 11, of Waukegan, tried out the lightsabers at the photo booth. Ayden’s favorite Star Wars character is Obi-Wan Kenobi, a Jedi master who promotes the message of having faith in practicing what is right.
Ayden feels that if you believe in something, you should, “make it happen.”
Vanessa Mora of Zion, who brought children Jayden Mora, 4, and Sophia, 7, said, “I love this library. They’re so friendly and nice, and they always have a lot of activities for the family.”
Star Wars, she said, teaches children, “hope. There’s a lot of imagination, too.”
