This Spooky Season, the TRU library is hosting a horror movie watch party on Oct. 30, featuring snacks, scares, and a bit of learning. The event, Fright Night At The Library, was inspired by one of TRU’s library technicians, Gwyneth Haretzmuller, who gave students the chance to vote for the first horror movie of the event. The movies for selection included: Conjuring (2013), Scream (1996), Alien (1979), and Insidious (2010).
The selected movie will be The Conjuring (2013), which just so happens to be Haretzmuller’s favourite horror flick. The librarian’s motive for summoning screams is the hope that this event will encourage student engagement and provide a relaxing yet fun way to inform students about the rich cauldron of resources available, many of which extend beyond books.
“We compiled a short list of movies that we might air for this event, with all the movies being found on our movie streaming databases. So this is an educational event because we will be demonstrating to the attendees on how to access our movie databases through the library website.” Research Services & Engagement librarian Julia Wells said.
The two databases, Kanopy and Criterion, have thousands of films across all genres, available through the TRU library website. The Fright Night is meant to highlight this service and demonstrate to students some of the lesser-known resources the library offers.
“We like to think of this whole building as the library. So it’s not just books you can borrow. [For example], we have the Makerspace downstairs where you can use a bunch of amazing technology, and different types of tools and materials. We like to think of not only physical books in the building, but also our website as another location of our library, and the two movie databases as an example of that,” Wells said.
Events like Fright Night at the library give students a treat with these resources in a fun and interactive environment, demonstrating that the library is more than a study spot, but a home for innovation, exploration, and now, a way to get your fright-fix.
The screening will take place in the Learning Commons on the first floor. Students can enjoy popcorn, refreshments from a witch’s cauldron and a few jump scares courtesy of the movie. Costumes aren’t required, but they’re certainly welcome.
While both Haretzmuller and Wells assure there won’t be any jump scares outside the movie itself, they hope to spark new curiosity about what the library has to offer, including physical books, film databases, and the Makerspace.
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the season while also learning something new, Fright Night at the Library will concoct a blend of chills and curiosity. While the event is free, interested TRU students and staff must register on the library’s website before attending.
Fright Night at the Library will take place on Oct.30, with doors opening at 5:30 PM and the movie starting at 6:30 p.m.