Gateway Film Foundation offers free film series with Columbus library card

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — This summer, Columbus Metropolitan Library cardholders are getting a bonus with their membership — free admission to more than a dozen movies.

The Gateway Film Foundation has announced that the “From Book to Film Family Film Series” is returning for its 15th year. Every weekend until Aug. 31, the nonprofit will screen a different film adapted from or inspired by literary favorites at the Gateway Film Center in the University District.

According to a news release from the organization, audience members can receive up to four free tickets by presenting their library card. Additional tickets can be purchased for $5. The program is perfect for families looking for inexpensive entertainment options this summer.

This year’s lineup includes three selections from the works of British author Roald Dahl. Also, except for “The Witches” and “The Wild Robot,” all the films are 4K restorations.

  • “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971) Photo Courtesy/ Gateway Film Foundation

  • “Matilda” (1996) Photo Courtesy/ Gateway Film Foundation

  • “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935) Photo Courtesy/ Gateway Film Foundation

2025 From Book to Film series lineup

  • May 31-June 1: “The Witches” (1990), based on “The Witches” by Roald Dahl
  • June 7-8: “The Wizard of Oz” (1939), based on “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum
  • June 14-15: “The Iron Giant” (1999), based on “The Iron Man” by Ted Hughes
  • June 21-22: “Matilda” (1996), based on “Matilda” by Roald Dahl
  • June 28-29: “The Wild Robot” (2024), based on “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown
  • July 5-6: “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971), based on “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl
  • July 12-13: “Shrek” (2001), based on “Shrek!” by William Steig
  • July 19-20: “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935), inspired by “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
  • July 26-27: “The Goonies” (1985), story by Steven Spielberg; inspired by adventure fiction tropes and mythology. Novelization by James Kahn.
  • Aug. 2-3: “Jumanji” (1995), Based on “Jumanji” by Chris Van Allsburg
  • Aug. 9-10: “The Last Unicorn” (1982), based on “The Last Unicorn” by Peter S. Beagle
  • Aug. 16-17: “Labyrinth” (1986), original story by Jim Henson and Dennis Lee; novelization by A.C.H. Smith
  • Aug. 23-24: “The Muppets Take Manhattan” (1984), original story; includes themes and characters from Muppets books and television. Novelization by Danny Abelson.
  • Aug. 30-31: “The Neverending Story” (1984), Based on “The NeverEnding” Story by Michael Ende
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