Novel Reels: Little Women Showing on December 5th, Free Movie and Snacks

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - Those who step inside the Capitol Theatre Center on Sunday, Dec. 5,

will be taken back to the 19th century to meet a family of women enduring hardship on the

homefront while the patriarch serves in the Civil War.

A free event called Novel Reels will begin at 1:15 p.m. with themed activities based on the four

main characters of “Little Women,” the 2019 PG-rated film of which will be shown at 2 p.m. Set

in Massachusetts, the story is about sisters Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth March as they grow up and

struggle to improve their flaws.

Once inside the theater at 159 S. Main St. in Chambersburg, attendees will create grab-and-go

items from the worlds of writing, art, music and acting to reflect the interests of the women. They

also will receive a copy of “So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix” by Bethany Morrow

and a coupon for a free book at one of the branches of the Franklin County (Pa.) Library

System. The choices for the second book are “Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy: A Modern Graphic

Retelling of Little Women” by Rey Terciero or a hardcover 150th-anniversary edition of the

original “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott.

Free drinks and popcorn are part of the day’s offerings, to which mask wearing is

recommended.

Sponsored by FirstEnergy, the event is being presented by the library system, Ghost Writer and

the theater.

Kirsten Hubbard, founder and CEO of Ghost Writer, considers Novel Reels to be a bridge-

building activity.

“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted existing inequities within our communities, inequities such

as access to educational resources and technology,” Hubbard said. “Novel Reels addresses

these challenges by creating a unifying community celebration around literacy, building home

libraries, and, most importantly, introducing - or reintroducing - residents to equalizing resources

available at local libraries. Those include preschool-readiness programs; educational

opportunities; technology access and support; job and business supports; and much more.

“What we love most about Novel Reels is that it truly is for everyone. With more than 700 seats

available at The Capitol, we can welcome the entire community. It is a wonderful celebration of

literature and entertainment as unifiers.”

Alice Elia, senior director of development and human resources for the library system, sees

many benefits to hosting Novel Reels.

“These events are free to the community and encourage an appreciation of film and books,” Elia

said. “In addition, these events allow us to bring an awareness of the Franklin County Public

Library System to the broader community.”

The last Novel Reels event - in August 2021 - had a superhero theme and included the

showing of “Aquaman.” Elia said the holiday season is a perfect time to watch “Little Women,”

which offers several positive messages.

“We appreciate that Little Women has a theme of empowering women and encouraging youth to

explore art, music and writing,” Elia said.

With lead funding from The Stabler Foundation, The Foundation for Enhancing Communities’

Franklin County Fund and corporate sponsors, Novel Reels is offered quarterly.

For more information, email Elia at aelia@fclspa.org or go to www.fclspa.org. You also can

follow the event page on Facebook (https://fb.me/e/2HVvXJ87s) or go to ghostwriterquill.com.