Library recreates Harry Potter's world for final book's debut
Wizards and witches in grades 5-9 are invited to a fantasy filled, after-hours Harry Potter extravaganza at the Des Plaines Public Library tomorrow (July 20) -- the night before "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" is released to the public.
The magical evening at the library's version of Hogwarts School of Witchcfaft and Wizardry will begin at 9:30 p.m. Friday and conclude at 12:30 a.m. (Saturday), sponsored by Friends of the Library.
But all children must register in advance in person at the Youth Services Desk on the library's second floor, because the library has only enough room for 96 sorcerors, said Veronica Schultz, youth services director.
During the event, participants will enter a enter an enchanted kingdom wrapped in a mist of magic under a transforming sky. They will encounter the Sorting Hat, attend classes and enjoy a feast.
All children will receive a free T-shirt. In addition, all children who attend may enter a raffle to win one of eight copies of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." The book, written by British author J.K. Rowlings, will be awarded after the bewitching stroke of midnight.
And children may wear costumes to come as their favorite characters, if they wish.
"When the participants arrive, we are going to sort them into the four different houses at Hogwart. We've re-created the Great Hall of Hogwarts in one of our meeting rooms. Then, each will attend three different magic classes that evening: wand making, herbology and potions," Schultz said.
"The sorcerors also will meet (fictional characters) Professor McGonagall, Professor Sprout, Rita Skeeter, Hagrid and more," she added.
For more information about the Harry Potter Extravaganza, please call the Youth Services desk at (847) 376-2839.