Countdown to release of 7th Harry Potter book
By Angela Greiner Contributing Writer

(l to r) Sara Dodd, Tiffany Strout and Ashley Dodd check out the Harry Potter merchandise at Tatnuck Bookseller in Westborough. PHOTO/ANGELA GREINER

Region - The countdown is on for Harry Potter fans across the country: the seventh and final book of the J.K. Rowling series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," will be on sale at bookstores across the country Saturday July 21.

The first book, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," hit the stores in 1997; since then, the first six books of the series have sold more than 325 million copies worldwide.

The Harry Potter books have been published in 63 languages, and, so far, have inspired five feature films, video games and endless merchandise.

The main character, Harry Potter, attends a school for young wizards called Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the books detail his fight against the evil wizard who killed his parents.

Local events

Bookstores and libraries across the Metrowest area are brewing up magical events and games to celebrate the book release.

If you head to Tatnuck Bookseller in Westborough, wear your best wizardry clothes for the costume contest. The store is hosting a release party not to be missed Friday July 20 beginning at 9 p.m.

The events will include Harry Potter activities throughout the store including: arts and crafts, magic potions, face painting, fortune telling, and a wizard class with the "Bumbling Professor."

According to Glori Shanda, Tatnuck event coordinator, the evening will kick of the sale of the "Deathly Hallows," starting at 12:01 a.m. July 21, at a price of $20.99, 40 percent off the retail price of $34.99.

"The performing wizard class will be a silly and fun program," Shanda added.

She also said there will be Harry Potter refreshments and live owls.

If you can't make it to Tatnuck and you are in the Shrewsbury area, stop by the Public Library and be whisked into the land of fantasy at the children's room, which will be transformed into the Grand Hall of Hogwarts. Thursday July 19 is officially "Harry Day;" the library will host several activities including making shields, Harry Potter Jeopardy and a scavenger hunt.

The library has also planned a showing of the first movie Monday July 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Marlborough Public Library will celebrate Harry Potter with a week of activities including a Harry Potter Movie Marathon Wednesday July 18 beginning at 9:30 a.m., a potions class at 2 p.m. and a trivia contest at 3 p.m. Friday July 20, as well as several other activities.

Zito from WXLO's morning show will be at the Paper Store in Hudson to celebrate the Magical Midnight Celebration Friday July 20 leading up to the sale of the book beginning at midnight. Festivities will begin at 7 p.m., including: book reading, fortune telling, costume contest and other mystical fun.

In addition to 10 percent of the sales during the event being donated to the Hudson Public Schools, the store is also collecting clothing donations for the Elf Clothing Drive. Donations will be given to benefit the Big Brother and Big Sister organization.

For more detailed information about activities and events, contact your local library or bookstore.