Arts & Entertainment

May the Fourth Be With You, and Comic Books Too: Elkridge Library Brings Characters Off the Shelves

The Howard County Library's Elkridge branch hosted an event that combined Star Wars Day (May 4) with Free Comic Book Day (May 7).

To get kids interested in reading, Star Wars characters—including a local elementary school teacher dressed as a Jawa—made an appearance at the on Saturday.

In the stacks of the children's section, four costumed characters sword-fought and posed for pictures, "light sabers" in hand. The quartet hailed from the local chapter of the Rebel Legion, an international costuming group that couples Star Wars fandom with charitable efforts, specifically those benefiting children.

The free event in Elkridge, called "Star Wars/Free Comic Book Day," was the brainchild of Teens' Instructor and Research Specialist Sarah Russo. "Star Wars Day is May 4 and Free Comic Book Day is today," said Russo.

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Star Wars Day is celebrated by the space-themed saga's fans on May 4, because of a play on words with "May the force be with you" (from the movie) and "May the fourth be with you" (from Star Wars celebrants on May 4). On Free Comic Book Day, retailers give away comic books to thank comic consumers, attract new ones, keep the art of comics alive and encourage reading in general.

Of melding the two celebrations, Russo said: "I thought it would be a great combination."

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Kids made Star Wars-themed bookmarks, origami Yoda finger puppets and Star Wars masks. They could also select from a rack of free comics and Star Wars books that had been fanned out across tables.

Local elementary schools and the Howard County Library system publicized the event, which drew a steady stream of families looking to bring alive the characters and comics that have inspired reading and creativity for decades.

Kellie Hendley, part of Rebel Legion and prekindergarten teacher at , distributed flyers at her school. According to Hendley, half her class turned out for the event. "But they don't know it's me," she said, behind glowing orange eyes. She was dressed as a Jawa, her costume in the Rebel Legion's Terrapin (Maryland) chapter.

The Terrapin chapter has also been to the Savage branch, Anne Arundel libraries and many others, said Russo.

The volunteer characters tour for free, but there is one catch. "These are the good guys," said Russo, explaining that the Rebel Legion promotes only the "good" characters in Star Wars. "People have asked, and I told them that Darth Vader couldn't make it today."


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