It started as a new take on movie nights hosted before COVID-19; the Waterford Public Library had to adjust to the recent pandemic and decided to emulate the trademarked “drive-in” theatres that have been sprouting all around Connecticut.

This is what led to the creation of the Sunset Cinema Summer Film Series set to debut this summer.

“We prefer to not call it a ‘drive-in’ due to trademark,” said Christine Johnson, director of the Waterford Public Library, in a Zoom interview.

Originally the library played only classic films or adult-oriented movies, with no size limits necessary before the pandemic. Yet that changed once once pandemic-related health mandates made public libraries less accessible.

The protocols did not entirely hamper inside events at the library; lectures and other digital media-based activities were switched to Zoom without difficulty. Outdoor events like concerts were left unharmed, as they were always situated outside.

But movie nights had to be moved from an indoor activity to outdoors without interfering with the concerts.

“With the growth of families going to see movies outside their homes and resurrection of the outdoor theatre, we had found an opening for ourselves to bring back movie nights,” she said. “Even with the risks of weather or other conditions, we could make it work just like everyone else has been doing since the past year.”

The set-up for the theatre was rather simple; there was a light screen placed outside followed by a film projector area for the staff; most audio was done through Bluetooth connections.

This allowed the library to have a mixed relationship with their distributors; on one hand they had instant contact with other libraries and organizations that could give them access to the films. But the films could be restricted by copyright that often limits showings to large numbers of people.

“Such trademarks like Disney or whatever can prove to be rather problematic to deal with,” said Johnson, who noted they tend to use films with less restrictive requirements.

The June schedule is heavy on kid-oriented fare. which would be of the kids genre. Due to crowd-size restrictions, showings behind the library are limited to 40 vehicles, though some patrons can manage to view screenings from afar, stretching the numbers.

The first showing of “A Dog’s Purpose” will happen Thursday, June 10, and other films will be shown every Thursday through at least July 29. August screenings are expected as well.

Screenings go from 8 to 10:30 p.m. every week.

Film admissions must be done through the library website calendar. This also applies for reserved parking. Masks are to be worn if accessing the library facilities or exiting the vehicle with no exception.

Even with the protocols, Waterford Public Library has demonstrated an ability to adapt to changing times.

Matthew Rascoe is an intern from Mitchell College who lives in Old Saybrook.