Library hosts fifth annual “Harry Potter Day”

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Harry Potter fans are invited to Roseburg Public Library from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 26, for a celebration of Hogwarts, magic and the power of imagination.

The community is invited to dress up and join staff for activities, trivia and prizes. Parking is available at the library, 1409 NE Diamond Lake Blvd., with overflow directly south of the library at the Douglas County Courthouse complex.

The fifth annual “Harry Potter Day” will transform the library into a fantasy world with hands-on activities such as molding a miniature mandrake plant that does not scream as loud as in the books, creating a snowy owl at “Eeylops Owl Emporium,” completing a transfiguration spell to make a keychain, catching a flying key to make a necklace and, of course, making your own wand. The activities range in difficulty, and some take more patience than others.

At 11 a.m., Wildlife safari staff will offer a live animal demonstration with critters featured in the “Harry Potter” series like snakes and rats.

All attendees aged 18 and under who visit before 12 p.m. will be welcomed in the lobby and given a ticket for the Harry Potter-themed quilt drawing. This year’s prize is a gorgeous quilt designed and created by quilter Ashley Oberg.

The quilt will be given away at 12 p.m., and the winner must be present.

Once visitors enter the library, they can head directly to an activity room or stop by a trivia station and test their Harry Potter knowledge for prizes. Participants will receive a ticket for each correct answer, and prize drawings will occur every half-hour. Prizes include Harry Potter-themed mugs, puzzles, books and other goodies. Winners must be present at the time of each drawing.

Harry Potter Day is the library’s biggest event of the year. It’s a great way to celebrate the Summer Reading Program, which supports literacy, encourages reading for joy and fosters a lifelong love of learning and libraries.

Attendees are invited to sign up for a library card, browse the shelves, check out materials, log into a computer or wi-fi and enjoy the space. This is also the perfect opportunity to pick up a Summer Reading Program log and book-review forms. The program runs through Saturday, Aug. 23, which library staff say still leaves plenty of time to read for free books, treasures and a chance to win the grand-prize one-year family membership to the YMCA of Douglas County.

“It’s all hands on deck at the library that Saturday with the entire staff working, and our volunteers step up big-time to help make sure the day is fun and joyful. Please join us and celebrate Harry Potter and the magic of stories,” said Roseburg Library Director Kris Wiley.