What is the fate of the movie industry? Will movies fade into the sunset in light of the current economic recession? Are On-Demand and the Internet replacing the cinema movie-going experience? Memorial Hall Library invites you to learn about the fate of the movies—then and now—at a new series this January.

This celebration of movies will begin with a silent movie show on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m. Enjoy Buster Keaton in the silent romantic comedy, "The General" (1926), with live piano accompaniment by Richard Hughes. This 75-minute movie features Johnny Gray (Keaton) in a one-man war to reclaim his stolen locomotive, the General, from Yankee spies. This event is suitable for movie lovers, families, and anyone who enjoys the quick-paced slapstick style of silent film classics.

Silent movie pianist Richard Hughes will provide live piano accompaniment throughout this "trip into the past" when films flickered in black and white and people listened to the piano play exciting "Mood Music" of the 1920s. His research includes classical and popular music and "Mood Music" used by arrangers and pianists during the 20s to enhance movie scenes and entertain audiences.

For a more modern exploration of the movie industry, visit Memorial Hall Library on Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. for a program titled, "Does Film Have a Future?" with Boston Globe film critic Ty Burr.

Learn what's happening to movies and where they're going. Burr has worked as the chief video critic for Entertainment Weekly and has covered film, music, theater, books, and the Internet. Burr is the author of three film books including, "The Best Old Movies for Families: A Guide to Watching Together" (Anchor, 2007), "The Hundred Greatest Movies of All Time" (Time-Life, 1999), and "The Hundred Greatest Stars of All Time" (Time-Life, 1998). He has also written articles on film and other subjects for the New York Times, Spin, the Boston Phoenix, and other publications.

Other January programs at Memorial Hall Library:

Conversational English winter session at Memorial Hall Library will begin on Monday. Jan. 4. from 10 a.m. to noon. These classes are for students who have studied formal English and would like to practice their speaking and listening skills. Contact Carolyn Fantini at 978-475-4602 to register.

Monthly Chess Club at Memorial Hall Library begins on Tuesday, Jan. 5, at 4 p.m. Players ages 8 to 108 are invited to join a monthly chess club on the first Tuesday of the month. Participants should be familiar with chess rules but do not need to be chess experts. This group is for playing chess and will not include formal instruction.

Participants should bring a chess set to play against others.

The Yiddishkeit Klezmer Ensemble will perform on Sunday, Jan. 10, at 2 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon concert of traditional Eastern European Jewish Folk Music featuring vocalist and pianist Brian Bender and clarinetist Dena Ressler.

The Friends of Memorial Hall Library Winter Book Sale will be held on Jan. 22 to 24. Stock up on books, movies, and CDs for all ages! Preview Night: Wednesday, Jan. 20, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., $20 per person (free for Friends members). Book sale hours are Friday, Jan. 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 24, 1 to 4:30 p.m.

All programs are sponsored by the Friends of Memorial Hall Library. Programs will be held at Memorial Hall Library, 2 North Main St., Andover. For more information, visit www.mhl.org or call 978-623-8401, ext. 31 or 32.