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.
