With a few weeks remaining before the start of Warwick Public Library’s newest film series, “Applauding James Woods: A Year of Brilliant Film Performances,” Wil Gregersen said that more than half of the tickets for the first showing have been picked up.

Woods himself will be present for the first film showing in September and will receive a citation from Mayor Scott Avedisian in recognition of his career.

As the community services librarian, Gregersen is always looking for speakers, performers and artists from the community to recognize at the library.

Last spring the library launched Friday night films with a lot of positive feedback.

Because the library is closed Friday nights, and only those coming specifically for films would be walking through, Gregersen took it as a chance to show movies they wouldn’t normally with the fear of children walking through.

“Films are the most visceral, potent medium; it’s a combination of sound and visuals,” Gregersen said. “That’s why we love films. We get juiced up they keep us engaged.”

Gregersen saw this as an opportunity to celebrate Woods’ long and successful career in film.

He often hears patrons sharing stories of their relationship with Woods or just how much they love his films.

Avedisian, who grew up with Woods’ brother, Michael, said, “James has so many achievements in many fields, especially the arts. I am grateful that he has agreed to be part of the library ‘s 50th anniversary.”

Kathleen McCoombs, who grew up down the street from the Woods home on Canonchet Avenue, said that even though she was probably just a little kid to Woods, she remembers the neighborhood’s excitement as Woods was gaining in popularity, how they would all go to see his performances.

She will attend the series with some of the same old friends from that neighborhood.

She said, “I think it’s wonderful that the library is highlighting the accomplishments of local talent. I see libraries as a place to celebrate creativity and talent. What better way than paying tribute to those in the community that helped contribute to the arts.”

“I find people always want to talk to me about Woods,” Gregersen said. “It’s moving how fond of him this city is. Everyone speaks about him with such pride and affection.”

Woods is just as appreciative of Warwick.

In a phone interview Aug. 21, Woods said he loves to come home to Rhode Island and whenever he does, he feels “the warmth and affection” Gregersen described.

“It’s always nice to feel connected with your fans, but it’s even nicer when those fans are your neighbors and friends,” Woods said. “It’s wonderful to come home and receive that kind of reception.”

Having come from a family that adored reading and sharing literature, the Warwick Public Library also has a special place in Woods’ heart.

He said libraries are the one thing government does really well and they’re “a pretty good way to spend a tax dollar.”

Although he said “old fashioned books are still a delight,” Woods said series like this help bring light to the fact that libraries are a great resource for more than just books.

Woods thought the series was a great idea when he first heard it and hopes to make as many of the showings as possible.

He also plans on sharing anecdotes from behind the scenes for the movies he is able to attend.

Woods said that the library has picked out an interesting array of his films, maybe some fans hadn’t seen before.

Gregersen, who said Woods always has a “gripping presence” on screen, wanted to show the range of Woods’ capabilities.

“His characters are fully realized,” Gregersen said. “He’s played despicable characters and characters you would like to hang with. He’s played folks you’d want to avoid and folks you can empathize with.”

The first showing will be on Friday, Sept. 11 at the Warwick Public Library at 7 p.m. The film will be “Videodrome” and tickets can be picked up at the library’s welcome desk. Only 103 are available. The remainder of showings are as follows, “Cat’s Eye” on Oct. 9, “Salvador” Nov. 13, “The Boost” Dec. 11, “True Believer” Jan. 8, 2016, “My Name is Bill W.” Feb. 12, “The Hard Way” on March 11, “Hercules” on April 8, “Another Day in Paradise” on May 13, “True Crime” on June 10, “The Virgin Suicides” on July 8, and “Northfork” on Aug 12.

Because Woods will be making an appearance for the first showing in September, although free, tickets are necessary. In subsequent showings interested persons can register for free online at warwicklibrary.org or call 739-5440, x4. For more information, call 739-5440, x221. The library is located at 600 Sandy Lane.

All the showings are free and open to the public and will begin at 7 p.m.