Return of the Library Summer Reading Program bringing A New Hope for The Empire to Strike Back against summer boredom

Summer Reading Program Coordinator Kaitlin Erdmann poses with her Jedi robe and the library’s poster for this year’s program. The event runs July 5 – Aug. 18. – Stephen Dafoe Photo

by Stephen Dafoe
stephen@morinvillenews.com

A short time from now in a library not far, far away, a summer reading program will launch with a familiar space opera theme. After departing from the TD Summer Reading Program last summer to take on their Harry Potter-themed program, the Morinville Community Library is looking to recreate the magic with a Star Wars theme this summer.

Summer Reading Program Coordinator Kaitlin Erdmann said with the recent release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, there is renewed general interest in the brand.

“Harry Potter is a pretty big generation binding theme. Star Wars is also big like that,” Erdmann said of picking this year’s theme. “The new movie came out, so it’s all coming back into popularity. There’s lots of stuff out for decorations and prizes.”

This year’s program runs from July 5 to Aug. 18, and organizers are hoping this year’s theme will be a hit with participants.

The library launched the program Apr. 11 to local businesses they were hoping to have as event sponsors, but the success of last year’s program had sponsors in place well ahead of the launch and before knowing what this year’s theme would be.

Erdmann said this summer’s program would include opportunities to watch the original trilogy of movies from the 1970s and 1980s. Those movies: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi launched an entire universe of movies, cartoons, comics, and books. Erdmann said the library is already accumulating additional Star Wars materials participants can check out during the summer reading program.

But there is more to the library’s summer reading program than reading. This year’s event will provide opportunities to take part in two Star Wars scavenger hunts, as well as Star Wars-themed crafts and other activities over the course of the multi-week program.

“We’ll have the room all decked out in a Star Wars theme,” Erdmann said, adding the formal program will take place twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays with one craft and one event each week. “On Wednesdays, we’ll have a drop-in for most of the day, which will be a free simple craft.”

The scavenger hunts will once again be major parts of the program as participants make their way from business to business, taking part in activities within their overall quest to find Yoda and Luke Skywalker.

“It helps bring the community together,” Erdmann said of the scavenger hunts. “If you live in Sturgeon County or just moved to Morinville, it helps you experience the community more. Last year they got introduced to businesses they didn’t know were here.”

Erdmann is encouraging participants to come in Star Wars attire if they have it. She will be wearing a Jedi robe she made herself and is hoping to acquire some other Force attire for the program.

Registration for this year’s program will begin May 3 at the library.

For more information, visit the Morinville Community Library.