Activities celebrate classic sci-fi film
By Angie Landsverk
The Waupaca Area Public Library incorporated this year’s summer reading theme into an afternoon of activities.
It held Star Wars Day on Thursday, July 11.
“I think there’s been a definite buzz. People walk in and see something different going on,” said Teen Librarian Taylor Wilcox.
Members of the 501st Legion kicked off the day when they arrived and marched through the library.
The costuming organization attends fan-based charity events.
They volunteered at Star Wars Day in their stormtrooper costumes, interacting with youth and posing for numerous photos.
Wilcox knows one of the members.
It was his idea to have 501st Legion members visit the library.
“Then I thought, if we’re already getting the stormtroopers, why not make a day of it,” she said.
Universe of Stories
Angie Landsverk Photo
“A Universe of Stories” is this year’s summer library program theme.
The program runs through Aug. 30.
Wilcox and fellow staff members Patsy Servey and Molly Reinke began planning Star Wars Day more than a month ago.
They already knew local author John Jackson Miller was available to visit.
He has written several Star Wars novels and met with the teens as part of his July 11 talk at the library.
Stations were set up inside and outside the library for people of all ages.
Youth created Jabba the Hutt slime and trained to be a Jedi.
There was a photo booth inside the library and more activities in its lower level.
The day ended with a showing of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
Donations received during Star War Days will benefit the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King’s library.
Because members of the 501st Legion volunteer when they attend events, they ask that a donation be made to an organization, Servey said.
Members of the library’s Student Library Advisory Group chose the veterans home library.
The donation will help develop its collection, she said.
Wilcox volunteered at library events in the past.
This was the first time she was involved in organizing one.
“There’s definitely a big amount of excitement, and it’s only going to get bigger,” she said.