The Friends of St. Albert Public Library have rebranded Reel Monday Movie Nights. Organizers have uncorked Friends Friday Nights, a new concept that attempts to create a trendier experience with a pre-show wine reception.
“With the increase costs of rental facilities, we wanted to find a new way to improve the event as well as focus attention on the library,” said Graeme Matichuk, Friends of St. Albert Public Library president.
The shakeup shifts Monday movies screened at the Arden Theatre to Friday evenings at the downtown library’s Forsythe Hall. While the Arden Theatre seats 500 people, Forsyth Hall has capacity for 70 people. A pre-show wine reception with snacks will be served 45 minutes prior to the film in the library living room.
Matichuk said the library closes at 6 p.m. and will reopen at 6:15 p.m. to the film's ticket holders.
The Friends have also reduced the number of films screened to three per year. New season tickets will increase to $30 per screening.
“We want to make this an enjoyable experience for people. We’d love to see familiar faces. But we also welcome new faces who are looking for a night out or just want to support the library. Every decision we make comes down to supporting the library,” Matichuck said.
Movies slated for screening will be announced individually. The first film of the season is Wicked Little Letters showing on Friday, Sept. 27. This biting comedy is about two women’s bitter feud that disrupts an entire town.
It centres on Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley), an Irishwoman who settles in Littlehampton in 1918 hoping to make a fresh start. Carefree and vibrant she is the opposite of her conservative and sanctimonious neighbour Edith Swan (Olivia Colman).
At first the two woman have a friendship, but it isn’t long before differences become apparent. When Edith receives obscene letters, she accuses Rose, and their feud draws national attention with a scandal and trial.
Reel Monday Movie Nights history
In the Friends’ 19-year history hosting movie fundraisers, it raised $70,000 for the library. Anywhere from 100 to 200 attendees attended each screening of award-winning movies starring top-tier actors.
Initially, Reel Monday Movie Nights were first screened at the old Grandin Theatres. In January 2005, The Notebook was the fundraiser's first showing. When the rickety film theatre building was demolished to make way for Grandin Parc Professional Building on Sir Winston Churchill Avenue, the gatherings moved to the Arden Theatre.
As the new season starts, two major changes are in the works. Kathie Konarzewski, one of the original film programmers, and Valerie Spink, her partner in booking movies, are stepping down from their roles as organizers.
Matichuk said they will be honoured at Wicked Little Letters reception for their enduring commitment to the library.
“What we’ve always loved are the social connections we make with people who become friends and the enjoyment of a night out while supporting the library,” said Matichuk.
For more information on the event, visit the friendsofsapl.ca homepage, and to purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.ca.
