Libraries have been recently come under fire due to a variety of circumstances. I personally work at a library in New York state, and at our library, we are proudly part of the community and hype up many franchises. For example, we have our own Bluey section to the immense popular for all things Bluey. We also have many books about the Amish, something I did not realize how much interest there was in that topic until I started working there.
Something I also discovered was how important a local library is to sharing the Star Wars franchise. Our library has many Star Wars books, DVDs, and audiobooks to check out. We display these selections every year around May the 4th, providing a lot of options for both young and older fans of the franchise.
For younger audiences, many children's books and graphic novels are available on display, including the Jeffrey Brown books. Brown is a cartoonist who creates fun and creative ways to engage fans with his Jedi Acadamy series and Darth Vader and daughter and son books. These are important, especially since it's been statistically proven that comic books and graphic novels help children learn how to read.
One type of book is called a Reader, which has succinct language and concise words that can assist children in learning how to read. There are many early reader Star Wars books, and these are valuable and fun tools for kids.
Another book that I have thought about giving to my young daughter Brooklyn, whom I review Star Wars TV shows with, is Justina Ireland's High Republic book A Test of Courage. Ireland has written several books in the franchise, and they are for a wide variety of ages.
Libraries often have a plethora of books for adult readers in both the new Canon and Star Wars Legends. Some of my favorites at our branch include Delilah S. Dawson's Phasma, which is the backstory for one of the mysterious leaders in the First Order. We also have several nonfiction books with both intricate ship designs and ways to make Star Wars LEGO sets. I'll be honest, when I'm working in those sections, I have looked through those books more than once.
Many libraries offer DVDs and Blu-rays of Star Wars movies and shows. Every one of the live action movies is available at my branch, as well as the entire series of both The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. We also have many of the Star Wars LEGO specials, which my daughter and many other children have enjoyed.
If you're ever looking for a Star Wars book and don't see it, let your librarian know! They can often purchase them or transfer them from another branch to add to the collection for you and future Star Wars fans to enjoy.
Libraries are not only an important part of my community but of all communities as a whole. It can make a franchise such as Star Wars that is beloved by so many easily available. Outside of checking out books and DVDs, many libraries offer a variety of other valuable tools like specialized classes, notary services, job hunting opportunities, printing, meeting spaces, and veteran and social service support. Also, many libraries let you check out stuff like lawn tools, life jackets, cooking equipment, holiday items, and more. Just check with your library system!
Libraries are a vital a part of the community and in the Star Wars fandom. They not only help the franchise grow, but they help the fans that pass through those doors, too.