The force of reading will be strong at over 1000 regional and international storytelling events featuring a host of literary programming for Star Wars fans of all ages as they gear up for the theatrical release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens on Friday, 18 December.

Participants in this year’s events include publishers around the world, including Disney, Marvel, DK Books, Scholastic, Abrams, Chronicle Books, Del Rey, Quirk Books, Workman, Egmont, Studio Fun, Phoenix International Publishing, and many more. The robust line-up of events will feature Star Wars-themed games and activities, various author-related signings, meet-and-greets, panels, and readings at bookstores, libraries and other venues across the globe in an effort to promote literacy and unite fans of the franchise.

Since the inaugural Star Wars Reads Day in 2012, there have been more than 2500 events encouraging fans to read the films’ stories, but for the first time, this year’s festivities will also feature titles from the recently released Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens initiative, which includes more than 20 print and digital books and comics for readers of all ages.

“We are thrilled to be working so closely with Lucasfilm and our publishing partners in planning this year’s Star Wars Reads Day,” says Jeanne Mosure, senior vice president and group publisher, Disney Publishing Worldwide. “The growth of this initiative globally is a true testament to the force of the Star Wars franchise and the importance of reading.”

This year, more than 1000 events will take place in cities around the world on Saturday, 10 October including three in South Africa at the following details:

  • Johannesburg: Exclusive Books, Melrose Arch (10:30);
  • Durban: Exclusive Books, Westville Mall (10:30); and
  • Cape Town: Exclusive Books, Cavendish (10:30).


South Africa’s Star Wars Reads Day Events will include themed activities, photo booths, story time and fun for the whole family.

For more information, visit www.starwars.com. Alternatively connect with them on Facebook or Twitter using the #StarWarsReadsDay hashtag.