Library hosts first Harry Potter birthday celebration Library magic
Slytherins, Gryffindors, Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs gathered at the Porterville public library Tuesday in celebration of Harry Potter’s birthday.
The library was buzzing with excitement as local witches and wizards participated in the first annual birthday party for the adored Hogwarts student.
“This is the first time we are celebrating,” said Veronica Garcia, a member of the library’s planning committee. “We usually just celebrate Dr.seuss’ [birthday], but someone suggested to do Harry Potter, and judging by the outcome it’ll be a yearly thing now.”
The event had an overwhelming turnout, as people of all ages went to each of the activity stations to take in the Harry Potter themed experience.
“I’m a Gryffindor,” announced William Reece, age 10, as he stood in line anxiously awaiting his turn to sign in and get his ticket for a chance to win a prize.
Along with a sign-in and ticket table, the library had set up multiple activity stations. They had a “potions” station where visitors could stop and create slime in a bowl. They also includ-
ed a tie making station where each person could grab a small felt tie and glue on diagonal colored stripes matching each of the four Hogwarts houses.
The biggest attraction of all was the wand making stations. Each participant was allowed to collect one wand and paint it in the colors of their choice. Many wands flicked through the air as spells from the books were playfully cast.
Participants were excited to share their love of the wizarding world with other eager Potter fans.
“I grew up with this and have been into this since I was born,” stated Cara Leslie, age 20, “I'm obsessed with this stuff.”
The library was overjoyed to have so many fans come to celebrate Harry Potter's birthday and were surprised by the amount of local readers that came to participate.
“This is right in the middle of our summer reading program,” said library assistant Sandi Farnsworth. “We've been wanting to do this for a couple of years and so we decided this was the year to kick it off.”
The attendance was large enough for the library to consider making this event an annual happening.
“Harry Potter has been an inspiration to get my children to read more and open their imaginations,” said Carolyn Higgle, Potter superfan and President of the Harry Potter book club at Porterville College. “These books get them involved in more literature and magic and believing.”