Bookstore plans Harry Potter party
Harry Potter fans won't have to wait much longer for the seventh and final book in the popular series by author J.K. Rowling.
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" goes on sale July 21.
Barnes & Noble in Deerfield is encouraging fans to reserve a copy now to ensure the store has enough copies.
Amazon is reporting 1 million pre-orders, an all-time high.
Shipments to stores are based on the number of pre-orders, said Jody Wilson, Barnes & Noble community relations manager.
To be sure to get the book, pre-order now, she said.
"I want to be able to get the book in my customers' hands," Wilson said.
The store is planning a Harry Potter event that will begin at 10 p.m. July 20, featuring scar tattoos, a Riddle House and a magic wand demonstration.
The party will continue until sales begin at 12:01 a.m. July 21. Barnes & Noble will have all 12 cash registers running, Wilson said.
Anticipating a big demand, the store will issue numbers to customers beginning at noon. Customers will be served according to their number. Those with pre-ordered books will be served first.
As always, book sellers are under strict instructions to shrink wrap the books in their boxes and lock them securely away until they go on sale.
"The whole controversy is, 'What's going to happen to Harry?�'" Wilson said. "I'm going to tell people, 'No spoilers.'"
Wilson is as excited as the young fans of the Potter books.
"This is the biggest publishing event of the age in terms of media hype and the worldwide interest in the book," Wilson said. "One of the things the Harry Potter phenomenon has done is cause young people not to be afraid of thick books."
Wilson applauds the messages in Harry Potter books: "The strongest magic is love. Bullies are painted as despicable. And there is a message of self-sacrifice."
To reserve a copy of the book, call Barnes & Noble at (847) 914-9293. The store is located at the corner of Deerfield and Waukegan roads.