It may not have been the midnight opening for the latest blockbuster, but the Warwick Public Library’s first showing of their “Applauding James Woods: a Year of Brilliant Film Performances” film series was quite the smash, with the star himself making an appearance.

As people entered the library Friday evening they would approach Woods, looking for an autograph, to meet the local celebrity, or to just say a friendly hello to an old friend.

The first film in the series, “Videodrome,” is a movie Woods said he has yet to figure out himself. After seeing the elderly audience, Woods joked that he couldn’t “begin to imagine” what the audience would think of the science fiction film. Before the film started, Woods took photos and conversed with guests including Heidi Edwards, who was undoubtedly star-struck by Woods. When she went to take a photo with him, Edwards couldn’t stop shaking from excitement, and Woods had to steady her phone.

Edwards didn’t grow up in Warwick but moved here three years ago. Then she learned Woods grew up here. Interested, she watched all his movies. Now, Woods is her favorite actor. She even brought Woods roses.

“I think he is just the greatest and so nice,” she said. “I have seen all his movies and he ranges from the villain to the family man and even to ‘Family Guy.’”

Woods said that no matter how popular he has become he has never gotten used to others being star-struck by him.

“When you’re standing next to them you can almost feel their heart pounding,” Woods said. “In my mind I still see myself as just a nerd in high school. It makes me feel great to have someone that excited to see me.”

Mayor Scott Avedisian, who presented Woods with a citation at the viewing, said that Woods could have easily forgotten about his Warwick roots in the hustle and bustle of Hollywood, but he always returns to Rhode Island to support his home state and town.

Woods joked that Avedisian must have sold his soul to the devil because he “looks younger every time I see him.”

Woods reminisced that the last time he and Avedisian were both at the library was the day before the election, in which Woods’ brother, Michael, was running against Avedisian.

“That’s what makes Warwick such a great place to live. Here, two people running against each other can genuinely be good friends,” he said.

He noted that Rhode Island has always been his home and he hopes that he will be remembered as a “good son, a good brother, and a good hometown boy.”

Normally, Woods is invited to attend events such as the film series, he never feels like going, but couldn’t wait to go to the library last Friday night.

“It’s not about me coming to Warwick, it’s that Warwick still remembers me and always welcomes me back,” Woods said.

The film series will happen once a month on a Friday night at the library, and Woods said he is going to try and make as many as he can to show his support for the Warwick Public Library.

Woods’ mother, Martha Dixon, was very fond of the library, and even when Woods would offer to purchase her books she would insist on visiting the library. She wanted to see the library supported so those who couldn’t afford their own books would have a space to access literature and better themselves.

He said what he “cherishes” most about libraries is that they are much more than just a repository for books, but they are also a community within itself.

Library Director Christopher LaRoux said that is one of the main goals of the film series, for patrons to see that the library has more to offer the community than just books. He said a library is a place in which to celebrate and put on display local talent, and it is a rare opportunity for that local talent to actually be present for an event.

Avedisian said programs like this one are a great opportunity for those who may not normally frequent the library to come and check out their services.

Wil Gregersen, the community services librarian who put together the film series, believes a library is a great place for film showings and worked tirelessly to provide guests with the best sound and picture quality for Friday’s event.

Victoria DuBois, a fellow employee from the library, said Gregersen worked tirelessly day and night to see guests had the perfect experience Friday night.

“I wanted it to look like you were walking into the movie theatre, not a library,” Gregersen said. “I wanted to create a theatre atmosphere, but more than anything else this is about bringing the community together.”

LaRoux said that when a community comes together to watch a film there is a very different dynamic than there would be if you watched a movie on your own.

Woods expanded on the thought and said, “When you have a shared reaction in a group – you all jump when there’s a monster in the closet or laugh when someone slips on a banana peel – you see that there are people like you. There’s that validation that you’re not alone and I think that’s something we all want.

For more information on the film series or to register for the next showing visit the Warwick Public Library’s website at www.warwicklibrary.org. The next showing will be Friday, October 9 featuring Cat’s Eye.