Arts centre, library connect books and their movies in St. Catharines

How often have you heard “The book is better than the film” or vice-versa?

It seems that the St. Catharines Public Library and the Film House at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre have teamed up so you can experience both.

Their popular TD Summer Reading Program will be returning for July and August to bring both the joy of reading and seeing the same book in film form.

They’re starting somewhat highbrow with the celebrated English novelist Jane Austen and a screening of Emma (2020) on July 4. The matinee event will begin at 1:30 pm with an “All-Things-Austen” Trivia contest, as well as pre-screening discussion about Jane Austen film adaptations hosted by the Library.

Next up on July 18 will be the movie Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009), a charming tale about a failed inventor that is based on the children’s book written by Judi Barrett.

The event will begin at 1:30pm with a takeaway craft in the lobby, a reading of the classic tale, followed by a screening of the film.

“We greatly value any opportunity to partner with our friends at the St. Catharines Library to connect the rich world of literature with the rich world of cinema,” says Sara Palmieri, Performing Arts Centre Director Programming and Marketing.

“Summer is a great chance to curl up with a book – or seven – and we look forward to reading our way through July and August and enjoying our books on film partnership.”

This summer, St. Catharines Public Library is encouraging people of all ages across the city to consider the time they spend reading by logging their reading activity for a chance to win prizes.