CANTON - When the "Canton Kids' Movie Club" started in August at the Green Free Library in Canton, only three children showed up and the movies were projected onto a sheet.
How things have changed.
The program now draws, on average, 23-25 children each month, according to librarian Cathy Golder. And just recently, a movie screen was purchased to replace the sheet.
"They have fun, they enjoy it," she said.
Golder said that the library, the Friends of the Green Free Library, and the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce collaborated in developing the program.
"It's just a way to reach the children, to bring them into the library and get them familiar with the library and introduce them to the library," she said.
At a previous Canton Borough Council meeting, Friends president Karen Robertson said the movie club is "going pretty well."
"We think it's a great outreach to the community, and it gets people into the library," she said.
The movies have included "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," "Arthur Christmas," and "Jumanji."
Golder noted that the library tries to show movies that are based on books.
The program is held on days when there is an early dismissal in the school district, or on a non-school day.
The free program is open to anyone, but primarily draws elementary-aged school children, up to the fourth grade. Kids get a snack of candy or popcorn.
It's presented in the children's room of the library downstairs. A micro-projector on a laptop computer projects the movies onto the screen.
Golder said the movie club has spurred interest in the library.
"As a result of coming to it, they joined the library and have gotten a card," she said.
A raffle drawing is even planned for the future. Golder said the kids have passes that she stamps, and the children who have attended every movie night will be able to enter their passes into the drawing.
She said the movie night will be continued for the rest of the year.
The next movie, "The Fantastic Mr. Fox," will be presented at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15.
In March, "The Cat in the Hat" will be presented in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday.
The library is located at 38 N. Center St., Canton.
Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; email: reviewtroy@thedailyreview.com.
