Wauconda Library inviting kids to participate in Potter programs
Something wicked this way comes to Wauconda Area Library as Harry Potter fans can compete to win a copy of the last installment of the series.
To win a copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, many muggles in grades 7 to 12 can write an obituary that will predict what will happen in the final book of J.K. Rowling's popular series and which character will die.
The deadline for submissions is July 13, and entries can be submitted at the Adult References desk at the library, 801 N. Main St. Two names will be drawn to win a copy of the book. Winners will be announced July 21, when the book will be released worldwide. The predictions will be displayed in the library's Young Adult area, Brennan said.
"We're hoping that the kids have fun with it," said Pat Brennan, the library's young adult coordinator.
Brennan said the participants should use their creativity to come up with a detailed obituary. Several obituaries have been turned in already, and Brennan is expecting more. She said the entries so far are inventive.
"They love to write," she said. "Some of the kids are just so creative."
Brennan said there is another chance for teens in grades 7 to 12 to use their creativity and win a copy of the book. She said they can design Harry Potter bookmarks, and the artwork from two winners will be reproduced on colored bookmarks that will be distributed throughout the library. A group of library employees will judge the illustrations to determine the winners.
"We tried to think of things the kids will enjoy," Brennan said. "This gives kids an opportunity to showcase their talent."
The deadline for bookmark entries is also July 13, and entries are available at the Adult References desk.
Many Potterheads have already turned in bookmarks. As long as they take the time to work on the obituary and the bookmark, Brennan said each participant can submit multiple entries. Brennan said the bookmarks that have been submitted so far look good.
"The kids seem to be having such a good time with it," she said. "There's so many possibilities."
Also, children in grades 4-6 can participate in "Harry Potter Presto Predicto," which are several Potter activities in the children's department from July 9 to July 21. Participants can enter a drawing to win a free copy of the book and four Hogwarts pens. The winners of the drawing will be contacted July 23.
Children can also fill out a prediction card describing what will happen in the book. Also, they can play the "Harry Potter Character Quest," which allows them to identify characters from the Harry Potter movies from a slide show running on computers in the library. The younger kids can also play "Harry Potter I Spy" at a display at the children's department which houses some Potter items, and they can see how many items they can find. They can also participate in "Diagon Alley Delivery Boxes," which are three boxes set up in the children's department. Jan Staudemeyer, head of the children's services department, said children can put their hands in the boxes to feel what items are in them.
"They have to figure out what's in there by touch," Staudemeyer said. "They can't look."
Staudemeyer said the kids and the library staff are excited for the book and movie release.
"There's a lot of excitement," she said. "With the movie as well as the last book coming out, I feel there's a tremendous surge of interest. It just appeals to so many different ages, no matter who you talk to."