Library movie nights to offer community connection

After briefly closing its doors and limiting access because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Newfield Public Library (NPL) Director Sue Chaffee said that since they are hosting events again, it is important that the events at the library are consistent.

Movie Nights have been just that. Once a month, the library shows a free movie on the second floor that anyone in the community can come and see, even if they don’t have a library card.

Popcorn, snacks and drinks are also provided. 

“Part of our mission is to provide entertainment and educational programming for free for the entire community to enjoy,” Chaffee said. “It’s a great way for families to get out and have some free entertainment.” 

This month, NPL will show “Till” on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. The film follows the true story of 14-year-old Emmitt Till, who was brutally lynched in 1955 while visiting cousins in Mississippi and the resolve of his mother, Mamie Till Mobley, to bring those who murdered her son to justice. The film is rated PG-13.

Chaffee said that the film was chosen to honor Black History Month, and the films that are chosen each month follow a similar pattern.

“We generally try to follow a theme based on a holiday or particular event in a given month,” she said. “We typically select family-friendly movies. We do periodically have movie nights that are specifically for adults, but generally it’s a family event.”

In January, the library showed “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.” Throughout each month, two or three titles of interest are selected based on community interest and what is going on in the community and library. By the end of the same month, a winning title is chosen for the next month’s movie night.

She said attendance depends on numerous factors each month. As long as anyone is interested, Chaffee said it’s important that the library does offer community events like Movie Nights regardless of attendance.

“It varies quite a bit. Sometimes we only have two or three people, and sometimes we have closer to 20. On average, we have 8-10 people show up,” she said. “Since COVID, it has affected our attendance, but we still feel it’s important to do this once a month for the people who can come and are comfortable. We want to provide that service.”

It might be hard to imagine in the middle of the upstate New York winter, but nicer weather is only a couple of months away. When that happens, Chaffee said the event will move outside.

Two doors down from NPL is the Newfield Masonic Lodge, and she said the lodge has been a great neighbor. It has allowed the library to use its back yard as a space to show movies outside during the summer, and has also let the library use its building for larger events.

In 2021, NPL received a grant from the Newfield Community Council to purchase a new projector, Blu-ray player, sound system and screen. Chaffee said the new equipment adds to the production value of the event.

“The experience is special,” she said. “It’s not just a big TV or a projection on a wall. It’s much more professional.”

No matter what movie is being shown, or whether the event is inside or outside, Chaffee said it’s an accessible community event that brings people together in a fun, safe way.

“It’s a great time for anybody to come and enjoy themselves,” she said. “We have some parents who bring their kids, and they may sit downstairs at the library and read or do other things if they’re not interested in the movie.”

Chaffee also said NPL is open to more opportunities to share their space and equipment so other organizations can show movies.

“We’re open to doing more if there are organizations who want to have special movie nights based on other things they might be doing,” she said. “We’re open to doing that. We’ve got the equipment and space to do it.”

NPL is located at 198 Main St.

Newfield Notes appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Email story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com

In brief:

Library to host Fun With Fibers crochet workshop

On Saturday Feb. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the Newfield Public Library will host a crochet workshop focusing on the use of different fibers.

During the first hour, Saundra Goodman will lead an introduction to different fibers and how they are carded, hand-spun, knitted and crocheted into fabric. She will also bring her reference books for viewing.

The second hour is dedicated to activities such as creating collages with previously crocheted pieces or learning basic crochet stitches. Materials will be provided.

Those interested can register at https://forms.gle/MAreDxpDYh1zmb2X6

Monthly Town Board work session date set

The Newfield Town Board will meet for a work session Thursday Feb. 23 from 7- 9 p.m. that will be broadcasted on Zoom.

The Zoom meeting ID is 859 125 423.

Last month the board worked on a law to override the tax levy limit. There was no agenda posted on Newfield’s town website for the February work session.