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APL invites muggles to Harry Potter Day

HarryPotterDayWeb
Wizards and muggles of all ages will take part in the third iteration of Harry Potter Day at Airdrie Public Library March 7. File Photo/Airdrie City View

Airdrie Public Library (APL) will once again be magically transformed into the world of wizardry.

This marks the third year APL has offered an event centred on the magic created by British author J. K. Rowling, which Eric Pottie, APL’s programming and customer engagement manager, said has an enduring legacy. Even though the last instalment in the Harry Potter series was released more than a decade ago, he said it remains incredibly popular with a very dedicated fan base.

“People that are roughly my age – Millennial and stuff – that grew up reading the books, they’re now having young families and they want to be able to share these books with their kids,” he said. “It’s a very devoted base that loves this kind of [event].”

Harry Potter Day will take place at the library March 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. As they enter, visitors will participate in a sorting ceremony to determine which Hogwarts house they’ll represent through, what Pottie described as, “a fortune-teller kind of test.” Once sorted, they’ll receive a pin bearing their house sigil.

The first 200 attendees will be supplied with a wand they can personalize and take home, he added.

A themed photo booth will allow young wizards to have their picture taken on Platform 9 ¾, and a craft station will enable them to make a magical companion such as an owl or dragon. While supplies last, they can also get a taste of Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks Pub

Other activities include a sock toss themed after Dobby the House Elf, a Quidditch shootout and a scavenger hunt to encourage participants to explore the entire library.

“There’s also going to be Easter eggs thrown in throughout the library, so sharp-eyed Harry Potter fans will be able to see some subtle references to the books and the movies,” Pottie said.

Participants are encouraged to wear their best wizarding robes and house colours to show their love of the series.

While the event is geared toward school-aged children, Pottie acknowledged the series has a multi-generational fan base and parents will likely enjoy the activities at the library, as well.

 “It’s a very popular [event],” he said. “Last year, we had over 300 people attend.”

Pottie attributes that success not only to the passion of Harry Potter fans but also to the natural synergy the event has with the library’s mandate to promote lifelong literacy.

“Because it’s based on a book, it makes sense that it’s at a library,” he said.

The event is meant to attract Harry Potter fans in Airdrie into the library and introduce them to the many programs and resources it offers. Usually, he said, some people that attend events at the library do end up leaving with a new library card or some checked-out items.

Ben Sherick, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @BenSherick

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