With the addition of a newly installed surround sound system at the Chilton-Clanton Public Library, the library’s conference room can be transformed into a small movie theater.

“We are really excited about this new system because it is going to allow us to do so much with this technology,” Chilton-Clanton Library director Kelly Easterling said.

At the end of February, a new overhead digital projector was installed as well as a white screen and new lighting to serve as “theater lights.”

Easterling said the upgrades were paid for with money that was left over from funds state Rep. Kurt Wallace gave for technology upgrades to libraries in Chilton County.

“When Rep. Wallace gave money to the libraries in September of last year, we were able to save some of that money to go toward the digital upgrades for this conference room,” Easterling said.

In 2013, the 660-square-foot conference room received renovations including beige carpet and cream-colored walls providing enhancements to the overall look of the library.

When the library was built in 1967, Easterling said the conference room was decorated with dark green carpet and dark wood paneling that often made the room appear small and dimly lit.

Easterling acquired a license to show movies for public showings that he hopes to kick off in May with two matinee showings in the conference room.

Although Easterling said part of the contract to show recently released films at the library does not allow him to advertise what films he will show, he will have a list of the films available at the library.

“Part of the contract is I can’t promote the films that would resemble a movie theater, but I can let everyone who is interested in watching them know by keeping a list here at the library,” Easterling said. “All of the films we will show will be recent releases, and the first film we will show to introduce everyone will be a recently released cartoon that is geared for the whole family.”

In addition to monthly book lectures, Easterling hopes to introduce a monthly movie day.

Easterling will set up chairs in the room and estimates more than 50 individuals could fit inside the room.

“We will print out tickets for the movies and before the movie starts we will give out the tickets to however many people we can fit in the room,” Easterling said. “Everything will be free, but we want it to resemble visiting a movie theater. There is not a movie theater close to people who live in Chilton County, so I wanted to be able to provide an outlet for people who live here to come and watch a movie and enjoy themselves.”

Easterling tested out the newly installed DVD player on Thursday with a scene from the movie “Avatar.”2

Although the sound loudly resonated throughout the room, Easterling said individuals in other parts of the library hoping for a “quiet” place to read would not be able to hear the sound.

“When you sit in this room and watch a movie, you feel like you are at the movies,” Easterling said. “We are really excited and look forward to adding a new concept to the library.”

For more information about upcoming movies starting in May at the library, call (205) 755-1768 or visit the library’s Facebook page at Chilton-Clanton Public Library.