INFORMATION PORTAL OF THE MARSHAL'S OFFICE OF THE KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE Region IN TORUŃ

Cinema today is no longer exclusively the domain of large cities and major multiplexes. Increasingly, smaller towns are also becoming places of vibrant dialogue about film, spaces for meetings of lovers of ambitious cinema, and opportunities to share emotions experienced on screen. An excellent example of such an initiative is the Film Club operating at the Municipal and County Public Library in Rypin.

For years, the library has sought to go beyond its core book-related activities. It has consistently expanded its cultural offer for the residents of Rypin and the surrounding area, proposing various forms of spending free time. Among the initiatives run by the library are a Literary Club, a Philosophy Club, and a Book Discussion Club. The Film Club naturally became a complement to these activities – a place for all lovers of quality cinema. The initiative was launched in 2016.

The Film Club operates on the basis of one free screening per month. Each screening is accompanied by a discussion about the film, its themes, and its social or cultural context. The establishment of the club was made possible thanks to an agreement with MPLC – Motion Picture Licensing Corporation. Obtaining a license under the so-called Umbrella License allows the library to legally organize public screenings from among thousands of available titles.

The choice of repertoire is not accidental. The organizers remain open to participants’ suggestions, but current social, political, and cultural events are also an important criterion. Contemporary issues often become the inspiration for presenting films by acclaimed directors, outstanding screenwriters, or productions addressing important modern-day problems.

An important element of the library’s activities is also the Film Club for the Blind. Screenings with audio description are organized as part of the project “National Collection of Digital Films with Polish Audio Description for Blind People.” The project is co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage. The screenings are closed and free of charge, and participation is limited to blind and visually impaired persons holding an official disability certificate related to vision impairment, together with their guides. Thanks to this initiative, cinema also becomes accessible to audiences who encounter barriers to participation in culture on a daily basis.

The activities of the Film Clubs demonstrate that a library today can be much more than a place for borrowing books. It is a space for integration, discussion, and active participation in culture. Thanks to such initiatives, even small towns are becoming important points on the map of film-related events, open to the needs of different groups of audiences.

The Municipal and County Public Library in Rypin benefits from European Union funding. Thanks to participation in the “Culture Within Reach 3.0” project, an interactive multimedia display was purchased in 2025, among other investments. The library also participates in digital projects implemented in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region, such as “Infostrada Kujaw i Pomorza 2.0,” co-financed by European funds.

Department of Promotion
Paweł Jankowski

12 May 2026