I am a huge fan of movies. I almost like movies more than books. Almost. I realize that comes awfully close to blasphemous coming from a librarian, but it’s true. There is just something wonderful about a story playing out before your eyes and marveling at the craft of so many skilled individuals that make it happen.
I often think about all of the space that could be free in my brain if it weren’t for the ridiculous amount of movie trivia, quotes, and behind-the-scenes tidbits that are so delicately stuffed in my head. All this useless knowledge has come in handy from time to time though. I host trivia at Hoosier Brewing every month, and it makes writing questions much easier. I can easily help a patron identify the title of a movie they saw twenty years ago but only vaguely remember the plot. It gives me plenty to discuss on my weekly podcast all about pop culture. And I love creating fun programming ideas that connect our community to the silver screen.
When the library put a pause on hosting events in 2020 and 2021, we started offering interactive movie kits for families to enjoy at home. Each kit was themed for a particular movie and included a script and supplies. As a scene, action, or song played in the movie, the family was encouraged to engage with the story by following particular actions. Just imagine the fun of watching “The Muppet Christmas Carol” and shouting “Bah-Humbug!” at the screen every time you see Scrooge before his transformation. Or pulling out a toothbrush from your goodie bag to pretend to brush your teeth with Nemo as he gets ready for school in “Finding Nemo.”
We’re excited to bring that same experience to the big screen this summer at our annual outdoor movie night featuring “Toy Story.” In cooperation with the Ray Crowe PTO, the library is hosting the movie event at Ray Crowe Elementary on July 7. Activities will begin at 8 p.m. and the movie will start as soon as it is dark enough to see the screen (we’re hoping around 9:30 p.m.) Community members are welcome to just enjoy the movie, but there will also be the option of playing along with the interactive elements like making and throwing paper airplanes every time Buzz flies or marching around when the army men are on the screen. There are a limited number of goodie bags, so be sure to sign up today.
So bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and bug spray and come ready for a fun movie experience under the stars. The Ray Crow PTO will be selling concessions and the library will have the goodie bags and fun ready to go.
Emily Ellis is the Assistant Director at Greenwood Public Library. GPL staff members share in writing this twice-monthly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
