CELEBRATION events will be taking place at libraries across Warrington over the next two weeks to celebrate 20 years since the first Harry Potter book was released.
Harry Potter and Philosopher’s Stone was published on June 26 1997. Since then, Pottermania has swept the globe with seven books in the original series inspiring a major movie franchise, which has smashed box office worldwide.
The books have sold millions of copies in 79 languages across the globe and have also inspired a theatre production.
Harry Potter first came to life in 1990 as author, J. K. Rowling, waited on a delayed train from Manchester to London and dreamed up the wonderful world of wizardry.
Over the next five years, the author developed plots for the seven books, which followed the adventures of Harry and his friends, Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley, as they made their way through The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
To celebrate the release of the first book, library users across Warrington will be able to instantly download Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone via LiveWire’s e-book service from Monday June 26 until Sunday July 9.
With no limit on loan numbers during the fortnight, readers won’t have to wait to get their hands on the much-loved novel.
During the celebratory fortnight, Lymm Library will have a special Harry Potter display at the Davies Way library and will be running Harry Potter activities, including colouring sheets, word searches, and trivia quizzes.
And 20 years to the day since the book was released, Penketh Library and Warrington Central Library will running a drop-in activity table for children aged 4 – 12 on Monday June 26 with puzzles and colouring sheets.
As well as having fun in libraries, residents will be able to join the celebrations via social media, using the hashtag #HarryPotter20, or by signing up to the Wizarding World Book Club, which is being launched in celebration of the 20th anniversary.
For more information about how to download your copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, please visit www.livewirewarrington.org
