In my library system, we are lucky to have had the ability to redo a number of our libraries. Sometimes these beautiful buildings make me really think about how children would experience them and see the magic beyond what we see. This thinking led me to dream of an impossible dream, host an after-hours event at the library for ages 6-12 to transform the library into Hogwarts, and have special programming for our Harry Potter enthusiasts.
Tag: Harry Potter
Harry Potter Party
This summer marks the 20th anniversary of the U.S. printing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and what better day to celebrate this anniversary than on July 31, Harry’s birthday! These past few summers, my library has celebrated Harry Potter by throwing a special event complete with wands, scarves, and other fun activities. Every year we look at ways to improve our party, and this year is no exception. With limited space and staff, here is a run down of our last year’s celebration.
Kid-Lit Tour of London
A serious whim recently turned into a 4-day trip to London, England. I had been drooling over the exhibit Harry Potter: A History of Magic at the British Library for some time. When my friend Kirsten suggested we go to London to see the Winnie the Pooh exhibit at the Victoria & Albert Museum, we began to plan in earnest. I bought tickets for the Harry Potter exhibit before I even got my flight booked. Tickets were selling fast and the exhibit did sell out, a first for the British Library. But I had two spots for the last day.
Books like Harry Potter for Tweens
As I have been celebrating Harry Potter’s 20th anniversary, I could not help but reflect on how Harry Potter has impacted my life. About nineteen years ago, I remember looking for a new summer book to read. I would walk up and down the stacks of books for what felt like hours trying to find a book that I connected with. As I was roaming the stacks one day, my librarian noticed I was struggling and asked me to follow her up to the reference desk. Once there, she suggested a book that would forever change my life – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling. For the next ten years, I wore out countless copies of Harry Potter. I wanted to live and relive my time at Hogwarts. I finally had a series and a world that I connected to and I anxiously awaited its return. Nearly twenty years…
Fan Bands Provide Concerts for All Ages
When I first heard about The Shake Ups, I had no idea that “pony power pop” existed. I knew about fan bands from the Wizard Rock movement that came from Harry Potter, but didn’t know much about other fan bands. When given the opportunity to book The Shake Ups, a My Little Pony band, my staff and I jumped at it knowing they would be a hit with our patrons. We’ve now hosted two concerts with The Shake Ups and I can’t say enough great things about them! Even if you’re not that knowledgeable about My Little Pony (which sadly, I have to say, I am not), you can still find lots to love about their shows. The music is infectious and upbeat and the atmosphere of the concert is so warm and friendly it’s hard not to leave without a smile on your face. It’s so much fun…
Wizarding world comes home with me
I admit to being one of the librarians who took advantage of the ALA conference being in Orlando and making the pilgrimage to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It was a Professional Development activity, honest it was. I did buy some souvenirs to give away as Summer Reading Prizes. But I also got some great ideas to add to my Harry Potter nights that I hold fairly regularly.
Harry is alive
I’m on vacation as I write this. On September 1, students returned to Hogwarts, boarding that scarlet train from Platform 9 3/4. They’d been to Diagon Alley for new robes, cauldrons, chocolate frogs, and spellbooks. The professors were probably already at the castle, getting ready for another school year. Lest you think I’ve lost my mind, please note. I. Am. On. Vacation. And I am re-reading all the Harry Potter books, because that is my summer book tradition. They are like mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese. Comfort food. Yes, I am a 50-something Potterhead. I am admitting it here in a public forum. But, look, folks, I am not the only one. I have at least one Twitter friend that is re-reading Harry Potter this summer, and she’s a responsible adult. I know of two Harry Potter parties that happened in the last few days. Several friends are now…