The Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System will host their annual Star Wars Reads Day on Saturday, October 15th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their Headquarters Branch (823 Telfair St., Augusta).

The library’s Star Wars Reads encourages readers to explore works that will allow them to use their imagination to send them to a galaxy far, far away. away. ARCPLS Outreach Services Manager’s outreach manager Erin Prentiss explains the library’s intentions with this event: “We want to instill a love of reading in everyone–and a celebration of reading centered around a pop culture staple like Star Wars are an ideal way to entice reluctant readers into enjoying the written word.”

This in-person event will feature a special guest Justina Ireland, a New York Times bestselling author of middle grades and young adult fiction. Ireland’s novel Dread Nation was nominated for several awards including the 2019-2020 Georgia Peach Book Award and was a selection for that year's Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl. Ms. Ireland has also written five Star Wars-based novels, including three titles in the Star Wars: The High Republic franchise, which introduces a brand-new era of the Star Wars Universe.

Ms. Ireland will also be making an appearance at the Book Tavern on Friday, October 14 at 6 p.m. for a book signing and to discuss her books outside of the Star Wars universe.  

The Star Wars Reads event will feature book giveaways and free commemorative prints. There will also be prize drawings, arts and crafts, Star Wars music by the Richmond County BOE Orchestra, trivia, a costume parade, a silent auction of Star Wars inspired art, and much more. No registration is required.