Liberty Theatre: What's old is new again.

By:  Cicily Barnett Higgins
Edited:  Jason Bowen


Photo by:  Tina Handy Smith (Eyes on Fire Photography)

Out with the old and in with the new. Isn’t that the trend these days? Hopefully not for a small hometown theater located here in Wilkes County.  This location has proven to overcome virtually any obstacle and remain standing for decades. Located in North Wilkesboro on Main St, the Liberty Theatre shines at night, has heart and has a surprising history. Established in 1932, the theater burnt in 1945 but was quickly rebuilt in 1946. Even before Elvis was king, it was said that he was once one of the many patrons to sip pop and crunch popcorn in the seats.  

As time goes on and Wilkes County expands, as it should, I can’t help but think about what will happen to our theater time capsule on Main.  Kids these days are drawn to bigger and flashier things. And at the moment, bigger and flashier is on its way. Two Rivers Cinema is currently under construction and soon to be completed. 

We asked Junior Ayers, the manager of Liberty, how management and the employees feel about the new theater coming into town. Junior was kind enough to share that the new theater coming to town had caused discussion about future business moves concerning Liberty.  However, closing up shop wasn't one of them. They have recently upgraded to digital picture and 7.1 surround sound to greatly improve the picture clarity and to immerse their patrons with a rich and satisfying sound. They even improved the lobby and painted the facade to really make the place glow in the daytime sun. The lobby, while being completed over a year ago, has new carpet and new lcd screens showing trailers as well as concession prices. They even upgraded to accept debit and credit.


It's 3pm and time for movies.  Liberty Theater lobby.  


Liberty is a small theater in size, but not in soul.  As a community landmark, Junior and his crew bring character to the area and give back to the community as well. During the months of summer while school is out, Liberty opens their doors for children to view free movies. How awesome is that!? Their ticket prices are extremely reasonable at $4.00 a head and the concessions make the theater very financially accessible for a family event. And that's really what Liberty is all about. Having a fun, affordable and safe place to enjoy a night out with your family.  Such a thing is priceless for a small town like Wilkes. Not all small towns have the benefit of a Liberty.  Towns such as Boone, Lenoir and Hickory have all lost the majority of their movie theater landmarks.  In interviewing Junior about the theater, I approached the article more about how Liberty needs the people of Wilkes County to keep sitting in the seats. However, as I walked around the theater taking pictures and observing the atmosphere of the building. it dawned on me. “It's not Liberty that needs us. It's Wilkes County who needs Liberty.


The concession stand.  Where popcorn doesn't cost your 1st born son.  

I'll share with you a story Junior shared with us. A few years back he opened up the theater for a couple who just got married. At 3am, he let the couple in so she and her husband could have the theater alone just before leaving on their honeymoon early the next morning. You can’t get that kind of personal touch just anywhere. It's actions like that and their incredible popcorn that make Liberty a treasure to our community.  

After the interview, as I was walking out of the theater with a half smile on my face, I found myself impressed. There really is a lot more than meets the eye in that building. Liberty makes you feel great in the present and helps you to remember the past. Let us not forget Liberty. We'll certainly be the lesser for it.  May there be Liberty and theater justice for all!  


Popcorn.  So good.  So good.  


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