Fans of all things Harry Potter collected their wands, donned their robes and filled the Chestermere Public Library for the annual Harry Potter Book Night Feb. 1.
“The best part of the evening was just watching the children’s faces,” said Library Assistant Director Cathy Burness, “There was a sense of wonder and amazement.”
Like the rest of the staff, Burness attended the event in costume dressed as Professor Sybill Trelawney.
Burness said that the event was a huge success, drawing a crowd of about 140 people to the library.
In addition to the staff, most of the attendees came dressed as either their favourite character from the novels or as their own unique student enrolled at Hogwarts, the magical school from the series.
“We appreciated having so many people join us and lots of them dressed up, which made it even more fun,” said Burness.
One of the most excited costumed attendees was two-year-old Alice Grimm who was dressed as Dobby the house elf.
“I think that most of us were quite taken with the little one dressed as Dobby,” said Burness.
“Her costume even came complete with a sock,” said Burness, “she was adorable.”
Like last year, the first 50 people who came in costume received a special keepsake letter.
The letter, delivered in the form of a scroll was sealed with the Hogwarts Crest and within the theme of the night informed the bearer they had been accepted into the magical school.
One of the lucky recipients of the scroll was eight-year-old Ella Grimm who came in costume as Hermione Granger.
“She’s my favourite character,” said Grimm.
Burness said that the library staff works hard each year to build up both the event and their costumes, which Burness described as “mostly a combination of hand crafted and thrift shop finds.”
Watching kids as the get to interact with their favourite characters created some of the best moments of the evening.
“The best part of the evening was just watching the children’s faces,” said Burness, “there was a sense of wonder and amazement.”
The hands down favourite character again this year was Hagrid, played by Gerhard Pflug.
“He is great with the kids and it is very convenient having our very own giant to portray this loveable character,” said Burness.
Along with the costumes, there was a scavenger hunt and several crafts for attendees to complete.
Visit The Anchor online at www.theanchor.ca to view a video from the event.
