Today I skipped toddler storytime to work an evening shift with the adult librarian.  He was putting on a showing of Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? aimed at adults.  My job was to scurry around getting everything together beforehand and making sure things ran smoothly.

• I set up the computer, speakers, and projector.  It’s a really good idea to make sure that you fix the power settings on the computer so that it won’t decide to shut down fifteen minutes into the movie (we had trouble getting the computer settings to change, but it was a good thing we did it ahead of time).  It’s also smart to tape down any cords to make sure that 1) no one trips and 2) no one pulls them out of the electrical socket at a crucial moment in the film.
• I got all the refreshments ready – I thought of it a smidge too late, but you can make your own giant cup-sized ice cubes, which will stay frozen longer (and also are free); it’s also good to chill the drinks ahead of time.  We used book bins to hold the icewater for the drinks, and had some big bowls available for the popcorn.  Also put out a tablecloth on the refreshment table, plus napkins, cups, etc.
• I arranged the meeting room in a setup conducive to movie-watching.  These non-stacking chairs are the bane of my existence.
• That was pretty much it.  Central had sent along a bunch of recommended titles in a box with the film, and the adults were pretty self contained.  I did have one guy ask if it was okay to leave the room to use the restroom.  For the record, in general librarians greatly prefer this to the alternative.  You don’t really need to ask.  We’re not evil schoolmarms.
• We also had a giveaway after the film ended; the adult librarian had a set of books on CD to give away.  As it turned out, we had enough discs for everyone to get one, so the drawing was just to establish what order you got to choose in.  Still, it was very popular.

People were generally really positive about the experience and strongly urged us to have more movie showings, especially since there weren’t any kids there (which isn’t something we can guarantee in the future, but whatever).  There were several strong requests for more movie nights at other times in  the year, so that’s definitely something to think about.