Harry Potter Parties in Williamsburg, Virginia

You can almost sense the tension in the air, the nervousness of several robed wizard hopefuls as they wait in line to be sorted. Where does their fate lie? Who will proudly brandish the garnet and gold of Gryffindor House, and who will be draped in the house colors of Slytherin? Who will succeed in caring a little hippogriff, and who will take home the house cup?

These questions, however, seem to pale in comparison to the true reason readers will gather on July 20, and await the stroke of midnight. Thoughts and good wishes are certainly reserved for the young bespectacled boy, now almost a man, about to face his enemy for what will be the last time. In Williamsburg, the local library has taken care to prepare readers by transforming into a satellite campus for the famed fictional institution of otherworldly learning.

When James City County Library opens its doors on Friday at 7PM, patrons will likely not recognize the stately shelves and pale walls of their literary refuge, for it will transform into the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Children ages 8 and older are no longer library patrons, but students of the craft, invited to select coursework as portrayed in all of author J.K Rowling's books. Among the curriculum are such popular classes as Potions, Divination, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Care of Magical Creatures, and Transfiguration. In the previous books of this series, Harry and classmates Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger have studied to learn the arts of magic in order to become full wizards. The film version of Book Five, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, depicts Harry teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts in secret when a temporary headmaster, Dolores Umbridge, interferes with the school's itinerary.

At James City County Library, however, Muggles and wizards alike will be relieved to know Ms. Umbridge won't be lurking behind shelves, waiting to spoil the fun.

These "educational" activities, in addition to related crafts projects and the "Great Feast", an event depicted in the previous Harry Potters as the precursor to each school year, will lead up to the release of the final book in Rowling's record-breaking series. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, perhaps the most anticipated book of the decade, goes on sale at midnight on July 21 at the nearby Barnes and Noble Bookstore in the New Town area of Williamsburg. Similar release parties are planned at bookstores elsewhere in the Hampton Roads area, though the library will hold a drawing to win a free book from the New Town location.

Pre-registration for the library party is required, by calling (757) 259-7733. James City County Library is located at 7770 Croaker Road.