COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML), in partnership with the 501st Legion – Ohio Garrison, will welcome Star Wars fans for a full day of costumed characters, props, droids, trivia, a Storytime and more from a galaxy far, far away. See below for a full schedule.
Saturday, May 3 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Main Library | 96 S. Grant Ave.
Main Library will be transformed into the Star Wars universe and will include a swoop bike, a TIE fighter cockpit, a droid depot, a Jawa kitchen and an educational display featuring the famed blue milk organized by the Tatooine Dairy Farms. Guests will meet costumed characters from another galaxy with plenty of photo opportunities for all.
“We know that not everyone can afford to travel to the Disney Star Wars theme parks in Orlando, Florida or Anaheim, California,” says 501st Legion member Josh Beale. “Our goal is to bring the joy of Star Wars to kids and adults throughout Ohio with this free public event so they can feel that special movie magic right here in Columbus!”
The 501st Legion is an international Star Wars costuming club with over 14,000 active members in 69 countries and six continents. The organization is represented in Ohio by the Ohio Garrison (over 200 members) and central Ohio is represented by Arch City Squad (over 40 local members). One of the missions of the 501st Legion is supporting local communities and nonprofits through appearances at children’s hospitals, libraries, schools and more.
The day’s schedule:
9 a.m. | Build Your Own Lightsaber (Reading Room)
Build your own lightsaber powered by kyber crystals from the caves of Ilum. While supplies last. All ages.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Explore Your Favorite Star Wars Locations (Reading Room)
Grab your camera! The 501st Legion have taken over the Reading Room with recreated sets and props from Star Wars. Explore the cockpit recruiting station, visit Han in Carbonite, and grab a cup of blue milk from Java’s Café. There will also be crafts and activities! All ages.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Mid-Ohio Food Collective Food Drive (Reading Room)
Help make our galaxy a better place by donating nonperishable items for the 501st Legion’s food drive for the Mid-Ohio Food Collective! Click here for a list of their most requested food items. All ages.
11 a.m. | Star Wars Storytime (Children’s Area)
Join us for stories from a faraway galaxy and meet our special guests! Ages 0-6.
3-4 p.m. | Star Wars Trivia (Reading Room)
Put your Star Wars knowledge to the test for your chance to win a prize! All ages.
