Library to host Harry Potter event

As Harry Potter fans across the nation are getting hyped for this weekend’s release of “Harry Potter: The Deathly Hollows Part 2,” the Maricopa Public Library is holding an event 10 a.m. Saturday to mark the event.

Originally planned for later this month, the library has moved up the event to coincide with the worldwide mania surrounding the last installment of the series based on the books by British author J.K. Rowlings.  

Children ages 7 and up are encouraged to dress as their favorite character and Librarian Vicki Mabery will be dressed as Madame Hooch, a broom-flying instructor at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Stout and strict, she also serves as referee for the school’s favorite sport, quidditch.

“I think I fit the look,” Mabery said jokingly. “I got the hair and the perfect attitude to pull it off.”

The library will be handing out commemorative gifts to those in attendance. “I’ve had a lot of people coming up and say that are excited by it,” Mabery said.

The library will also be testing fans with a 15-minute quiz as they challenge their knowledge of spells, Muggles, Lord Voldemort and Potter’s fellow wizards.

“It all started off for kids, kind of magical,” said Library Director Joe Gunter. “As the books became more complex, we saw it drawing in more of an adult crowd.”

He also believes the adults will be reminded of the “Tales of Narnia” and “Lord of the Rings” series they read generations ago. Gunter said there has always been a big demand for the Potter books at the library. And with any book within the county system, if the Maricopa library does not have it available, it can be delivered through the county’s network. The library also carries DVDs of the Potter series. 

“The Deathly Hollows” sequel has already premiered in London and New York where crowds have lined the red carpet. The final showdown between Harry Potter and his arch enemy, Lord Voldemort, will be showing to general audiences this Friday.