Barrington library preparing for final Harry Potter book's release
The hype about the last installment of the Harry Potter series is not limited to bookstores as the Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway, plans to have several events of its own to celebrate the popular series.
"It gives us a unique opportunity because the books are so mainstream. There's not a lot of books that span across so many ages and interest levels," said Ryann Uden, head of young people services.
The library will host a Harry Potter costume party at 7 p.m. July 20. The free event is for all ages and will feature trivia games, a costume contest and crafts.
"We're just looking to have a fun night mingling and talking about the book before it is released," Uden said.
The seventh Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, will be released at midnight July 21. The best-selling series written by author J. K Rowling, has grown into a cultural phenomenon among both children and adults, Uden said.
"It has a little something for everyone," she said. "It connects to every day situations as well as the fantasy side and has a lot of depth that readers can delve into if they choose to."
Uden said many librarians read and discuss the books.
"There's so much word of mouth associated with these books," she said. "People keep reading them and giving them to other people to read."
There are many predictions about what will happen in the final book as people wonder whether Harry will die, if the wizard instructor Severus Snape is good or evil and who will take over Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Uden said.
"I think Draco, who has usually been a villain, might do something good in the end to save Harry and the others," she said.
The library also has a blog where people can log onto the Web site, http://www.barringtonarealibrary.org, and click on a link to discuss predictions and other aspects of the book.
Uden said it is part of the library's mission to continue providing different communication and access opportunities to the community.
"This is kind of a new medium for us," she said. "There's a lot of opportunities to spur different forms of communication."
In addition to the costume party, the library will host a Harry Potter-themed magic show, Magic for Muggles, at 2 p.m. July 25.