Summer film events at the public library have been a core part of my community for longer than I’ve been alive. As a kid, I always loved attending my local library’s “movie in the park” night, held at the amphitheater in the adjacent public park. But you don’t need a stunning location like that to host a successful movie club. In fact, these events can generate even more engagement for the library itself. All it takes is some space, a bit of forethought, and a few common resources. By following the advice below, you can lay the foundation for a summer movie club that becomes a long-lasting community tradition.
The first step in planning a summer movie club is to define the goals of the program by answering a few key questions: Who, What, Where, When, and—maybe—Why.
Who?
What age groups will you be targeting? Is there a specific group you’d like to reach, such as Spanish speakers? Will the program aim to engage new patrons or better serve your existing regulars? Are there particular interest groups—crime drama fans, fantasy lovers, or romance readers—you could appeal to based on your library’s analytics? And, perhaps most importantly, who will be in charge of running the program? Once you’ve figured these out, you can move on to the...
What?
Start by reviewing your collection: What titles do you already have Public Performance Rights (PPR) for? Which titles would be worth licensing that you don’t yet have access to? Do you have funding for new licenses? What equipment is available to the club, and how often can you use it—weekly or bi-weekly? Will the club just watch movies, or will it also include activities such as book clubs tied to film adaptations, or post-film discussions? Will you offer popcorn and drinks or an optional snack bar? What about film-related crafts or activities—especially for a children’s movie club?
Many library streaming services, like Kanopy, include PPR with their subscriptions. Consider these options if your budget is limited. Once you’ve taken stock of your available tools and materials, it’s time to consider...
Where?
What space does your library have available? Will screenings be indoors or outdoors? Is the space consistently available, or do you need a flexible schedule? Larger libraries may have built-in options, but smaller ones might benefit from partnerships with local venues—community theaters, performing arts centers, or even local businesses. These collaborations can help build community ties and increase your reach. Many of these partners may even provide space and help with outreach in exchange for your library’s PPR access.
When?
The best time to schedule your club depends on your answers to the above. Different audiences and activities demand different time slots. A children’s or seniors’ club may do best earlier in the day, while adult clubs showing crime dramas or sci-fi may be more appropriate for evenings. Outdoor screenings should take advantage of cooler nighttime hours, while indoor programs have more flexibility. Most scheduling decisions will fall into place once you’ve handled the other questions, but some librarians may also need to ask...
Why?
If you're seeking additional funding or writing a proposal, you'll want a clear justification for your film club. Will it tie into a Juneteenth or Fourth of July event? Are you expanding outreach to an underserved group in your community?
These answers will vary based on your library's goals and context, and they can be as simple as: “We need summer activities, and this one makes sense.” Even if no one asks you for a rationale, taking time to reflect on purpose can prepare you for unexpected scheduling conflicts, weather disruptions, or evolving patron needs.
Other Important Considerations
-Don’t automatically rule out R-rated films. You know your community best—and depending on your theme, sticking to certain ratings may limit your options.
-Review the films yourself, regardless of rating. A G-rating from 1982 may not align with today’s standards. Be prepared for any issues or sensitivities that might arise.
-Promote your program everywhere. Posters in the library, flyers in local businesses, newsletters, website banners, social media, and even small giveaways like bookmarks or buttons can help spread the word.
-Use your review time to come up with engaging discussion questions for the club.
-If funds allow, offer a themed snack to draw people in.
-Supplement the movie with books, libguides, or other related materials that connect to the film’s themes.
-Encourage participation. Take suggestions and feedback to make future programs even better.
By putting in a little extra thought and care, your summer movie club can become more than just a seasonal program—it can grow into a beloved tradition for your entire community.
Not sure what to screen this summer? Let Video Librarian be your guide. Our expert reviews help librarians and educators choose the perfect titles for any audience. Subscribe today or browse our latest reviews to find your next crowd-pleaser.