Bedtime with Broomsticks
Bookstore commemorates release of the final 'Harry Potter' book
ELGIN -- Bells will ring the glad, glad news, and it won't be for Christmas. Hagrid will ring his famed bell and escort students into Hogwarts Central for broom and wand registration as Books at Sunset hosts an "Evening Under the Stars with Harry" on July 21 in celebration of the final Harry Potter novel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
The 9:45 p.m. event will include torchlight readings under a starlit sky and butterbeer for refreshment. Live games of Quiddich will be played.
Then on Sunday, Aug. 12, there will be a free Hogwarts Reunion for all ages to discuss The Deathly Hallows.
Books at Sunset owner Judi Brownfield says she is excited to offer people an opportunity to be a part of history.
"I think it will leave a lasting legacy on the readers and how they look back on this body of work. This whole series has been a phenomenon. We have not seen anything like it in our lifetime," Brownfield said.
"Nothing from Nancy Drew to even the Narnia series has had this kind of emotional impact. You see children, adults and senior citizens are reading this series. It is not just for the fantasy aspects, but for the moral codes and moral themes that underscore the plots," Brownfield said.
Brownfield's estimation of the series' popularity is confirmed by the fact that Amazon and Barnes and Noble announced that the final Harry Potter book was instantly named best seller just a day after they began taking preorders.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows has a first printing of 12 million copies, breaking the previous largest first printing record set by Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince released in 2005. The next movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, will be in theaters July 11.
The event will be limited to 70 people to ensure everyone has a good time, Brownfield said.
Mentor's torment, freeze tag in the dark, the sword and hat ceremony, and interactive festivities also are on the agenda for the evening. Actors will read the first chapter of the book by torchlight.
"It will be a night of magic under the stars and a night for the avid Harry Potter fan to put in their memory book," Brownfield said.
When asked if she will be tempted to open the boxes for a sneak peak at the book when it arrives at her bookstore, Brownfield said she can't; the law forbids booksellers from even looking at the books before the official release date.
Even if it were legal, Brownfield probably wouldn't sneak a peak since she loves the element of surprise.
"I plan on sequestering myself for 48 hours before the book comes out so I don't hear any spoilers on TV or from the radio," Brownfield said.
The invitation card for the event is $13.75, and the book must be purchased separately. It is recommended for ages 8 to 13. Space is limited; RSVP by June 21. Call (847) 888-1860 or visit www.booksatsunset.com for more information.