No More Star Wars Day For Joliet Public Library

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet Public Library announced Friday it will no longer hold Star Wars Day in downtown Joliet, the popular one-day event consistently drew around 10,000 visitors.

In Friday's news release, Joliet Public Library Executive Director Megan Millen said staffing shortages, construction at the library and changing partnerships led the planning team to making this decision.

“We had 10 amazing years,” Millen remarked in her announcement. “We have discussed it with our community partners that Star Wars Day has reached its peak, and it is time to sunset the event. We have taken it to the highest level it can go, and now it is time to try something new."

The Joliet Public Library did not host Star Wars Day this past summer because of the renovations getting underway for the major multi-million dollar project.

In 2020, Star Wars Day was canceled because of the coronavirus.

Millen said the Joliet library is planning a new family friendly, Star Wars movie event outdoors next summer for all ages.

"We still want to offer ways for our patrons to celebrate Star Wars and its connection to literacy,” Millen said. “Star Wars Day is an event that we are very proud of.”