The pandemic closed movie theaters and limited public gatherings. The Library’s 35th annual Academy Award Short Film program was at risk of being cancelled. The program is one of the largest events of the library’s programming year and is the longest-running library-based screening of the short film nominees in the country. Working with the film licensing company, staff were able to set up a monthlong “virtual cinema” using the Eventive app. The program was free to those who registered, as it would have been in person.

Staff worked with Magnolia Pictures to establish an online screening platform on Eventive. From April 5-25, 2021, customers who registered were given vouchers that gave them free access to the three film categories (live action, animation, documentary). Staff was able to track attendees through a sign up form on the website, and staff issued access codes. Behind the scenes, staff communicated on Microsoft Teams to stay on top of the program. Phone reference staff were trained to help customers.

The virtual platform resulted in 838 customers and over 2,300 combined views of the three programs (animated, live action, and documentary). Comments from participants were overwhelmingly positive. In general, community members welcomed the virtual platform to view these films, saying it worked in their favor to be able to watch at their leisure. Customers with mobility issues who otherwise couldn’t attend the in-person screenings were especially happy.