A FUN Twist on Movie Night at Fluvanna Library

Who wants to watch a movie when you can be in the movie? Several years ago, while visiting another library’s webpage, I discovered that they offered “interactive movie” programs and were adding kits that you could check out from the library. I thought this sounded like a great idea and I contacted them for more information. Several larger libraries make interactive movie scripts and then share them online as a resource for other libraries to utilize. They share the scripts, list of suggested activities, and even links to additional resources and treats to share.

An interactive movie experience happens when you not only watch a movie together with a group, but you become part of the movie. You act out certain actions at certain times during the movie. When you read the script, it may encourage you to sing when the characters sing, run in place when the characters run, eat a snack when the characters eat something, make train noises when you see a train, howl with the wolves, and more. Costumes are encouraged!

Each kit contains a script for each person with instructions explaining which actions to do during which parts of the movie. Your kit will also contain props, craft activities, and treats to add to your interactive experience. Some kits may also have a list of suggested items to add from around your house that will further enhance your movie experience – like a blanket, a favorite stuffed animal, a flashlight, and more, depending on the movie. Each kit has enough supplies for four people (including microwave popcorn) and a copy of the movie. The script includes a list of all the items included in the kit and a list of items that need to be returned with the movie kit once you are done (like the scripts, the DVD, and some of the props). The suggested crafts to make before watching the movie are to enhance your experience (all supplies are included in the kit). Depending on the movie, you might make newspaper swords, little mini banjos, character masks, or even treasure maps.

At Fluvanna we started out slow the first year, with just a few titles like Hop and Peter Rabbit over spring break. Now we have 22 titles:

We are working on adding several more, including Frozen, Elf, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Casper, Monsters Inc., and a few others. Movie kits seem to be most popular during summer, school breaks, and any time bad weather is forecasted.

We’re fortunate that our kits are sponsored by The Friends of the Fluvanna County Public Library. Any adult who has a valid library card with Fluvanna County Public Library can check out our interactive movie kits for two weeks at a time. We have several copies of each title you can place a hold on, or you can just come and browse the options and check one out that day!

–Cyndi Hoffman, Director – Fluvanna County Public Library