The Woods Hole Public Library will start its film season with an evening presentation especially for teen-agers of the recently released-to- DVD   film  “The Hunger Games”. As the author Suzanne Collins summarizes “ In a dystopian future, the totalitarian nation of Panem is divided between 12 districts and the Capitol. Each year two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal retribution for a past rebellion, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem. The 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors while the citizens of Panem are required to watch.”

“ When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives.”  

An aspect of the story which is not addressed in this description is that the dominant theme in the book is the compelling power of trust and friendship. Another plus is that the heroine is extraordinarily physically competent and  self-reliant. Both Katniss and Peeta have high ethical and moral standards, even in the face of the government’s harsh requirements. The librarians would of course prefer that viewers read the book before seeing the film, but this will not be a requirement.

Although aimed primarily at teen-agers, adults will also be welcome to watch the film, which will be shown in the Library’s downstairs meeting room, transformed for the evening into an intimate theater.

The film, which is rated  PG 13 will be shown on Friday night, October 5, starting at   7 PM. It runs for approximately  142 minutes. For more information, call the Library at 508-548-8961 or view the website at woodsholepubliclibrary.org. As always, the film is free and open to the public.