Witches, wizards and muggles alike are invited to come out for the third annual Harry Potter Book Night at the Library Feb. 1.
“It’ll…be a whole bunch of Harry Potter stuff with a whole bunch of people dressed up like Harry Potter characters, loving Harry Potter,” said Chestermere Public Library Deputy Director Cathy Burness.
The library will be undergoing its annual magical transformation as it prepares to welcome fans of the book and movie franchise.
“There are broomsticks hanging from the ceiling, there are floating candles, there are all things castley and Harry Potterish” said Burness of the changes.
This year the theme is Fantastic Beasts tying together the classic Harry Potter Novels and the newest movie in the series, 2016’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Although Fantastic Beasts is a newer addition to the Harry Potter Lore, Burness expects this year’s event to be just as popular as in past years.
“Harry Potter fans are Harry Potter Fans,” she said, “The original Harry Potter Movies will always be in their minds.”
As the library decorates with a combination of purchased and borrowed wizarding paraphernalia, fans will notice a mix of old favourites and new.
“It will be more Harry Potter than specific to Fantastic Beasts,” said Burness.
“Where we make different selection is, of course, in the door prize,” she said.
For the door prize this year, the Library has an illustrated copy of a Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them companion book.
Fantastic beast will also be seen throughout the library for the scavenger hunt event and be the main theme of much of the crafts and activities.
“It is the magic of Harry Potter,” said Burness.
The library staff and other special guests dress up as characters from the wizarding world, something that is always a big hit, especially with the kids.
Burness said that dressing in character has evolved as the staff work on their costumes each year.
“The first year we dressed in character as much as we could, last year we dressed in character as Trelawney, McGonagall, we had a Hagrid and we actually had little kids following us around like they were fans of the character,” said Burness.
“It was pretty cool,” she said.
This year’s theme is a little bit harder for two reasons, the staff already have their costumes and there are no men on staff who can take on the new male roles from the movie.
While none of the new characters may make an appearance this year, Burness said they will have old favourites ready for fans.
“We’re working on getting Hagrid back because he was amazing,” she said.
Like last year, the first 50 fans to come in costume will receive a special keepsake.
Last year the library had Hogwarts acceptance letters and while this year’s item will be similar, Burness is keeping it secret until the night of the event.
“We’d like it to be a bit of a surprise but it’s the same sort of idea,” she said.
They are expecting to have at least 100 people visit the library for Harry Potter Book Night.
“I think that anything that has to do with Harry Potter world intrigues people,” said Library Director Debbi Weber.
The fantasy world created in the books and movies continues to be a huge draw at the library.
“Speaking for myself, I would come because its Harry Potter,” said Burness.
Harry Potter Book Night is from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on February 1 at the Chestermere Public Library.
