From: msimpsonmls_at_comcast.net <msimpsonmls>
Date: Thu, 04 Aug 2005 23:28:32 +0000

Harry Potter-mania is alive and well at my library. We had a day-long event on July 16. Kids could try on the sorting hat (which was equipt with a walkie-talkie so it actually spoke to the kids), made a wand, and did other activities. We did this in 200 2 and the program was just as popular. My department ordered 8 copies of the book
(a lot for our library) and we raffled off the chance to be the first patrons to check out the book - winner had to be present - 4 in the morning session and 4 in the eveni ng. The participants loved it. (Circulation wasn't too happy because they had to deal with the people who had placed holds, but oh well.)

I liked the early chapters for the humor as well as the plot exposition. I especially loved the chapter when Dumbeldore visited the Dursleys - Old Albus had the best lines in the book!

I thought HP V was too angry and brooding, and that the sad/disturbing parts were handled much better in this book. Yes, the ending was sad, but all those romantic pairings at the end left the reader with a sense of hope. It will be interesting to see w ho will return to Hogworts next year, since it appears that some characters won't.

-Martha Simpson, Head of Children's Services Stratford Library Association 2203 Main Street Stratford, CT 06615

"You can't help growing old, but you don't have to grow up."
- Johnny Depp
Received on Thu 04 Aug 2005 06:28:32 PM CDT