Hays Public Library to celebrate Tolkien Day

BY PRESTON BURROWS

Wizards, Hobbits, Elves and Dwarfs walk Middle Earth to defeat a Dark Lord with one ring to rule them all. This plot from The Lord of The Rings comes from the mind of J.R.R Tolkien.

Every year on March 25, a celebration takes place for Tolkien and his creation of the mystical world known as Middle Earth. The Tolkien Society has celebrated this day since 2003 and the idea of the day is to encourage fans to commemorate Tolkien’s life and work by sharing some of their favorite passages from the author. 

Tolkien Reading Day will be celebrated for the first time at the Hays Public Library tomorrow 

Sara Doyle, creator of the event and learning experience coordinator at the library, says this event’s date lines up with the books and movies because March 25 was the date the ring was destroyed, completing Frodo’s quest and defeating Sauron. 

Instead of the traditional sharing of favorite passages, the event will instead include a screening of the extended version of The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring, an adaptation of Tolkien’s book, a sequel to The Hobbit. 

“[Tolkien’s work] has really inspired a lot of people – especially some of the older generations, who then pass on the love of those types of stories onto their children,” Doyle said. “And Lord of the Rings the movies has also been bringing in the younger generations.” 

Different snacks will be provided at the event, including popcorn, pastries and mulled cider. Doyle included the pastries and cider as a nod to how Hobbits eat throughout the day. 

Also available at the library that day will be collections of books related to Tolkien. Some of these collections include annotations of his work, books inspired by The Lord of the Rings series and other works discussing the author and his world-building. 

Doyle suggests for attendees to bring blankets if they please to curl up while enjoying the movie. 

Tables and chairs will also be set up for comfortable seating. The event is set to begin at 1:00 p.m. 

Stay tuned to TMN for more coverage from the event.