The Museum Library Behind a Galaxy Far, Far Away
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opens today, September 22, in Los Angeles, bringing together art, illustration, comics, photography and film from across cultures and generations, all centered around the power of visual storytelling. And while the museum is perhaps best known for its founder, George Lucas, and its Star Wars connections, there’s a particularly fascinating part of the museum for book lovers: the Library.
Visitors and researchers can explore a diverse range of books for all ages. These include works featured in their collections, such as children’s books, comics, and magazines, as well as genres like science fiction and fantasy. The collection is non-circulating, but approved researchers may reserve books and view them by appointment. The library catalog will soon be available online with more information about their books, journals, archives, and special collections.
The Library is a reminder that even the biggest stories on screen often have a bookish beginning. So, naturally, I had to round up a few books connected to the Lucas Museum, George Lucas, and the Star Wars universe for your own reading list.
You'll love them, we know.
These Are the Books You’re Looking For:
The Hero with a Thousand Faces
by Joseph Campbell
If you're a true Star Wars fan, you know this is the obvious place to start. Campbell’s exploration of mythology and the hero’s journey had a profound influence on George Lucas and the Star Wars universe. The museum holds more than 2,900 volumes from Campbell’s personal library, many with his own notes.
George Lucas
by Brian Jay Jones
Want to know the person behind the galaxy? This biography follows Lucas from his early filmmaking days through Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Lucasfilm, ILM, and beyond. Basically, the George Lucas origin story.
Star Wars: The Visual Encyclopedia
by Adam Bray
A fun one for anyone who likes to get lost in the details of a fictional universe. Characters, creatures, planets, technology, ships, costumes and more. Basically, a guided tour of the galaxy. It gives me "I Spy" vibes, I love looking through books like this.
Light of the Jedi
by Charles Soule
A pick for readers who want to venture beyond the movies. Set hundreds of years before the Skywalker saga, it opens up a completely different corner of the Star Wars universe.
The Princess Diarist
by Carrie Fisher
A little personal bias made its way onto this list. Carrie Fisher was one of my favorites, so of course Princess Leia needed a spot. In The Princess Diarist, Fisher looks back on making the original Star Wars and shares excerpts from the diaries she kept along the way. A must for Leia fans and anyone who wants a more personal peek behind the scenes.
How Star Wars Conquered the Universe
by Chris Taylor
I have always wondered how wild these films must have looked on paper, and this book deep dives into how Lucas proved his haters wrong. Chris Taylor traces the unlikely story of Star Wars, from George Lucas’s early ideas and influences to the making of the original film and the fandom, merchandising, and cultural phenomenon that followed. A fun pick for anyone who wants the story behind the story.
Who Is George Lucas?
by Pam Pollack
Not a biography person? This is your gateway. Part of the Who Was? series, this quick, illustrated read introduces kids and curious adults alike to the person behind Star Wars, from Lucas’s childhood and early filmmaking days to the creation of a galaxy far, far away. It’s an easy way to get some George Lucas backstory without committing to a full-length biography.
The Star Wars Cookbook
by Lara Starr
This looks adorable and I can't wait to try a recipe for National Cookbook Month in October! Awaken your inner Force with 29 out-of-this-world breakfast recipes (without the long backstory and ads you usually get with recipes on social media) Fuel up with Han Soloatmeal, battle hunger with Admiral Ackbars, and start your day with plenty of Star Wars-inspired fun. May your breakfast be with you!
The Science of Star Wars
by Mark Brake
Ever wondered if a real-life speeder could actually get off the ground? Or what the Force might look like through the lens of science? This book explores 50 science-y questions from the Star Wars universe, from space travel and alien life to battle tech and the physics behind the galaxy far, far away. Perfect for the fan who has questions and really wants to know how this stuff could work.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian - The Art & Imagery Volume 2
Star Wars: The Mandalorian - The Art & Imagery Volume 2
Step into the world of Star Wars: The Mandalorian with this deluxe magazine (yep, Libby has magazines!) edition featuring stunning artwork from Chapters 5–8. Explore Din Djarin and Grogu’s adventures alongside the droids, rogues, and Imperial forces that make the series so much fun to look at. Don't worry, Pedro Pascal makes an appearance.
As a lifelong Star Wars fan, I'm looking forward to a future visit to the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art! Until then, I've got my library card to hold me over with plenty of stories on Libby, as well as films and documentaries streaming on Kanopy, all thanks to my public library. May the Force be with you, readers!
Published Sep 22, 2026
Amanda Patton
Amanda is a creative marketing professional with 18 years of experience creating content across social media, print and digital marketing. She aims to create content that brings attention to public libraries and the important work they do through trending topics, nostalgia, humor, and more. Outside of work, you can find her behind her camera, thrifting, playing the piano, or stopping whatever she’s doing to pet a dog.