For almost 10 years, author J.K. Rowling has kept readers of all ages loyally turning pages with her “Harry Potter” novels about an adventurous young orphan attending wizard school.
Local bookstores and libraries are joining in as fans worldwide dig in to the seventh and final book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”
Most of the following events take place tonight to celebrate the midnight release of the written series’ finale. Unless otherwise noted, the events are free, open to all ages, and go on until the book’s official release at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.
Sno-Isle libraries
Lynnwood: “A PotterPalooza celebration,” 8:30 tonight, 19200 44th Ave. W., 425-778-2148. The evening features costume and trivia contests, with “Deathly Hallows” copies for the winners, and a 9:30 p.m. screening of “The Goblet of Fire.” Refreshments will be provided.
Marysville: A “Harry Potter Midnight Magic” program for teens starts at 10 tonight; 6120 Grove St., 360-658-5000, www.sno-isle.org. Activities include a costume contest, Harry Potter trivia, games, prizes and more.
Oak Harbor: The “Harry Potter Film Fest” starts with “Sorcerer’s Stone” at noon today, “Chamber of Secrets” at 3 p.m., “Prisoner of Azkaban” at 6 p.m. and “Goblet of Fire” at 9 p.m. Free popcorn will be provided. Those who attend may enter a trivia contest for the chance to win a complete set of the “Harry Potter” books; 1000 SE Regatta Drive; 360-675-5115.
Snohomish: “Harry Potter Mania” screenings of the first four Harry Potter movies begin at noon. Grade school students and teens may come dressed as their favorite Harry Potter characters and enjoy games, activities and Hogwarts-style refreshments. The best costumes will earn rewards; 311 Maple Ave., 360-568-2898.
Stanwood: “Harry Potter Day” begins at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Those who attend may celebrate the release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” with a Potter Jeopardy contest and register to win a copy of the book. Stanwood Library, 9701 271st St. NW; 360-629-3132.
Bookstores
Alderwood Borders: Grand Hallows Ball, 9:30 p.m. Alderwood mall, 3000 184th St. SW, Lynnwood; 425-776-7530. Guests are welcome to wear Potter-style costumes. Activities include a Potter spelling bee, palm readings, face painting, magic show and a Beatles cover band performance.
Barnes and Noble: “Midnight Magic Party,” 7 tonight, 19401 Alderwood Mall Parkway, Lynnwood; 425-771-2220. Activities include a Harry Potter costume contest, trivia scavenger hunt and Golden Snitch craft project.
Bookworks: “Potter Party,” 11:30 tonight, 1510 Third St., Marysville; 360-659-4997. Refreshments will be provided. Guests are welcome to come clad in Harry Potter-style costumes. Activities may include trivia contests and other games.
Everett Mall Borders: 9:30 tonight, 1402 SE Everett Mall Way, Everett; 425-267-3246. Grand Hallows Ball with a trivia contest for finalists from earlier this month, as well as other “wizardly” activities and games.
University Bookstore Bellevue: 6 p.m., 990 102nd Ave. NE; 425-462-4500. Activities include a potion-making craft contest, a magic show and a Harry Potter character costume parade. In addition, “What Happens to Harry?” prediction contest winners’ work will be read aloud and refreshments will be provided.
University Bookstore Mill Creek: 6 p.m., 15311 Main St., Mill Creek Town Center; 425-385-3530. A local band, The Dementors, will perform. The event also features a Harry Potter costume contest, a fortune teller, craft projects and photo opportunities. Refreshments will be provided.
Other
Everett Mall Center Court: PotterPalooza, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, features a costume contest with prizes for ages 16 and younger, a magic show, a live Birds of Prey show, face painting, games, music and more; free; 1402 SE Everett Mall Way.
Associated Press
Nico Seevers, 5, leaves the Harry Potter Knight bus recently at the San Francisco Public Library main branch. Libraries and bookstores everywhere are celebrating the release of the final Harry Potter book.
Associated Press
Chloe Bostian, 18 (left), Sydney Bostian, 11, and Graham Toroff, 18, wait in line at Gulliver’s Books July 12 in Fairbanks, Alaska. The Bostian sisters said they’d wait in line until the book’s release.
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