from the archive


Tag: movies


A universe of sci-fi films


If you’ve been to the library at all in the past couple of months, you will have noticed the plethora of space-themed paraphernalia decorating our shelves, particularly on the children’s floor. Thanks to this year’s summer reading theme, “A Universe of Stories”—a nationwide theme selected by the Collaborative Summer Library Program—we at the Princeton Public […]


Our most popular movies for kids


Now that the weather is getting a bit cooler and darkness is settling over the land earlier, it’s time to start enjoying the great indoors. If you have little ones in your house, the library can help you to keep them entertained with an entire floor full of books, movies, music, and audiobooks for kids. If you […]


Visit the library, you should


1977: a long time ago. Omaha, Nebraska: might as well be a galaxy far, far away. In a cavernous mid-century modern Cinerama theater, I saw "Star Wars" (later known as "Episode IV: A New Hope") for the first time. I was 10 years-old and completely enthralled by the story, the characters and the ground-breaking special effects.


I read (and watch) banned books


I remember the first time I heard a book was "banned." I was most likely in fifth grade, left with the librarian to keep an eye on me while I studied and did homework in my little town library on a Saturday afternoon. Stanley Kubrick’s movie, "Lolita" had been in the news over the summer. I wasn’t allowed to see it. "Not for children," my parents pronounced. I figured I’d go looking for the book at the library and see what all the hubbub was about.


Bonding over films


As my daughter packs for her first semester of college, I've become a little sentimental and have thought about some of the special times we've spent together recently. We have visited The Guggenheim Museum, The Frick Collection, the Cape May Zoo and downtown Cape May. We've gone out to eat, walked in parks, and, of course, done more than a little shopping together.


What’s all the hoopla?


We are excited to offer you a new collection, hoopla, that includes thousands of movies, television shows, music albums and audiobooks. In addition to the fantastic variety, hoopla offers an attractive format, ability to stream or to use an app for temporary downloading and an easy check out process. Another great feature is that the content is always available! No holds!


Read the book, see the movie


2014 is shaping up to be a big year for films, and there will be plenty of fodder for book lovers as well. Here is a list of ten not-to-be-missed movies that are set to hit the silver screen this year, all of which got their start on the beloved page. It's generally accepted that the book beats the movie every time, so start reading!


In our neighborhood:PPL movie collection


How often do you go to a theater to see movies these days? Probably less than you did a few years ago. How many TV series do you watch episode-by-episode when they air “live?” We’re finding and consuming our film and broadcast entertainment in our own homes, or wherever we choose, at random and convenient times. Want to add to your mix of viewing options? Find out a bit more about the Princeton Public Library’s collection of over 14,000 feature films, TV series, world cinema movies, documentaries and kids’ movies.


A rose for Emily


Last week I had to say goodbye to my truck. Like any beloved member of a family, my truck had a name (Emily, Emiliana, Emsers, etc, depending on my mood) and a long history. A college graduation gift from my father, she and I have driven everywhere together: Chicago, Wisconsin, New Jersey, New York City, and countless trips back and forth to my home in Alabama. She has moved me and my friends.


Gearing up for Gatsby


Tonight is opening night for Baz Luhrmann's new film, "The Great Gatsby", based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel of the same name. Gatsby is often spoken of as "the great american novel", and Fitzgerald's "magnum opus."  It has also often been described as "unfilmable", which hasn't stopped four previous filmmakers from trying to bring the book to the cinema (including a lost 1926 silent movie), with generally underwhelming results.


Student Film Fest: peeking behind the scenes


This week you have a unique opportunity to view 25 original films from high school and college student filmmakers at the 2012 Princeton Student Film Festival on Wednesday, July 18, and Thursday, July 19. Wondering how are these films selected? Let’s unfurl the curtain so we can show you the backstage operation.


Student Film Fest: The reel deal


This year's Princeton Student Film & Video Festival features 25 original short films by high school- and college-age students curated from 102 submissions. Shown over two nights, Wednesday, July 18, and Thursday, July 19, the selections include works by local filmmakers, as well as some from throughout the United States and around the world.


In our neighborhood


The corner of Witherspoon and Wiggins streets in Princeton is home to the Princeton Public Library and the Arts Council of Princeton. If you are in the neighborhood, you’ll notice a statue of Paul Robeson on the sidewalk, marking the spot where Wiggins Street becomes Paul Robeson Place. Walk up Witherspoon, past the Arts Council’s Paul Robeson Center for the Arts, and the first house you see is Robeson’s birthplace.


Finding DVDs off the beaten racks


Are you caught up on the latest action-movie blockbusters, bromance comedies and episodes of “Mad Men?” Are you looking for something new (or new to you) to watch? Consider these fresh additions and screen gems from recent years in our feature film DVD collection. Here’s a list I made in Bibliocommons of 10 feature films for your playlist.

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