Movie parties at the library can be some of the most fun, creative, and energetic programs around.  Recently, a cult classic film, Napolean Dynamite, the story of a strange frizzy haired lovable loser, has gained a lot of popularity with the young adult crowd.  Many librarians have taken advantage of this, and planned movie parties around this film.   

Here are some important factors to keep in mind for your Napolean Dynamite (or any other movie!) party:

• An age appropriate movie for your program audience.  This is especially important while dealing with middle schoolers, or teenagers.  Take extra care to select a movie that isn't too childish, but not too controversial, and ideally one that is currently popular  If you are showing a potentially risque movie, make sure to let parents know ahead of time.

• A comfortable viewing area with lots of seating. Try to gather together beanbag chairs, pillows, and popcorn, and other snacks ("tots" and "dang quesadillas" if you are sticking with the Napolean Dynamite theme), to make the party as authentic and enjoyable as possible.

• Have some fun before the movie viewing.  Play games, do activities, and socialize with your program participants.  The Internet Movie Database, a comprehensive guide to films, has trivia, quotes, and other great resources to make your movie viewing fun.

Give these activities a try at your next Napolean Dynamite party:  

• Print out these "Which Napolean Dynamite Character Are You?" quizzes.
  
• Make your own boondoggles (the keychains featured in NP).
  
• Set up a photo studio area with lots of props, funny clothes, make-up and Polaroid cameras for your own "Glamour Shots."
• Give away chapstick and "Vote for Pedro" buttons.
• Play "Pin the Casserole on Tina".
• Launch paratroopers off library balcony or roof (if appropriate and safe to do so!)
  

For movie related activities other than Napolean Dynamite, don't hesitate to consult the ever-helpful PUBYAC (Public Libraries Young Adults Children) listserv and archives for suggestions and ideas from other librarians.  The above activities were generated from a thread on the PUBYAC listserv in late September 2005.

Towards the end of your movie viewing, spend some time booktalking, or distributing booklists of books similar to the movie viewed.  Again, the friendly librarians at PUBYAC can help with this task.  Below are some "read-a-likes" for those who enjoyed Napolean Dynamite.

• Atkins, Catherine.  Alt Ed. Putnam Publishing Group, 2003.
• Chbosky, Stephen. The Perks of Being a Wallflower. MTV, 1999.
• Crutcher, Chris.  Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. Greenwillow, 1993.
  
• Lubar, David.  Dunk. Clarion, 2002.
  
• Peters, Julie Ann.  Define "Normal".  Megan Tingley, 2003.
• Randle, Kristen. Slumming. HarperTempest, 2003.
  
• Thomas, Rob.  Rats Saw God. Simon & Schuster, 1996.
  
• Voight, Cynthia.  It's Not Easy Being Bad. Atheneum/Anne Schwartz Books, 2000.