Pottermaniacs gather at library event

By Phil Cobb | July 26, 2016 |

Youth who attended Saturday’s Harry Potter party at the Maryville Public Library in costume were Nino Coniglio, Leticia Tate, Zeke Morrow, Nakayla Nelson, and Jade Embley.

Teenage fans of the infamous Harry Potter series were invited for an evening of games, food, and fun with a themed party Saturday from the wizarding world.

“As a lifelong Harry Potter fan, it’s always been a dream to do a themed party on the books,” said Maryville Public Library Young Adult Coordinator Kelsey Noble. “With the new book coming out this month, on Harry’s birthday, it seemed like a no-brainer to do something.”

Those in attendance were treated to a game of Quidditch, Harry Potter trivia, butterbeer floats, and a costume contest.

“I was interested in seeing how many Harry Potter fans we could get in here, and a dozen showed up so I was pleased with the turnout,” Noble said. “The group was sorted into houses, and at the end of the night one of the houses was able to win some books. The kids really liked the event and had a lot of fun, which is what I wanted for them. I enjoy putting on these theme-specific events.”

Noble said she anticipates continuing to hold similar parties for other popular books or games.

Weekly events at the library are Story Hour at 9:45 a.m. Tuesdays for ages 3-8, Book Nibblers at 9:45 a.m. Thursdays for birth to 3, and Fitness Friday at 9:45 a.m. on Fridays for all ages.

Special events upcoming at the library for those in the summer reading program are a Movie & Pizza Party at 10 a.m. on Thursday for grades 5-12 and the End of Summer Reading Party from 7-8 p.m. Saturday at the Maryville Aquatic Center. A library survey must be completed to attend the pool party. The survey can be completed at the library in the days leading up to the event, or at the event.

“The survey is just a way for us to gauge a number of things here at the library,” Noble said. “With the changes we made this summer to the Summer Reading Program we’d like to get some feedback on the new way we did things as well as the prizes we offered this year. We also wanted to get some general feedback on our library.”

Harry Potter fans enjoyed a game of Quidditch at Saturday’s party which included Harry Potter trivia, butterbeer, a sorting ceremony, and a costume contest.