Stores inviting all muggles for Harry Potter book party
The stroke of midnight no longer belongs to Cinderella. Here's the scoop on area bookstores that are staying open until midnight Saturday for the release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."
Grab your favorite Harry costume and head to bookstore parties that include plenty of magic and a whole lot of books.
In Evanston, Borders, at 1700 Maple Ave., is sponsoring a Harry Potter Midnight Release Party from 9 p.m. Friday until just after midnight Saturday. Borders will celebrate the release of the final Potter book by holding a Harry Potter spelling bee and hosting the "Great Snape Debate," where party guests are divided into two groups and asked to debate whether Snape is friend or foe.
The store also encourages guests to come in noble finery or Hogwarts costume, as the store will crown a king and queen. Show up early in the morning to get a wristband to hold your place in line if you haven't reserved your copy for the midnight sale. For more information, call (847) 733-8852.
Also in Evanston, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, at 1630 Sherman Ave., is sponsoring its own Harry Potter Midnight Release Party from 9 p.m. Friday until just after midnight Saturday. Barnes & Noble will host a bevy of fun activities in the hours leading up to the final book's release. You can get a Midnight Magic photo with a Harry Potter standee (life-size cutout) to remember the occasion by and participate in a bean counting contest, trivia scavenger hunt and a Harry Potter costume contest. For more information, call (847) 424-0848.
In Wilmette, the Borders store at Edens Plaza, 3232 W. Lake Ave., will host a Grand Hallows Ball from 9:30 p.m. Friday until just after midnight Saturday. The party will feature "an evening of wizardly activities, fantastical games and stupendous giveaways! Get your copy at the stroke of midnight," according to the store's Web site. For more information, call (847) 256-3220.
In Winnetka, The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, at 811 Elm St., will host a Harry Potter Party from 9 p.m. Friday until just after midnight Saturday. The Potter party at the Book Stall includes a costume contest, a Harry Potter look-alike contest, a spelling bee, face painting, wand making and trivia. Professor Snape will be attending to teach a potions class alongside Professor Sprout, who will test your knowledge of herbs. At midnight, the store will begin selling its 800 copies of the book. For more information, call (847) 446-0882.