A newly remodeled Huntley Bookstore will celebrate the release of the seventh and final novel in the Harry Potter series in true Hogwarts fashion with a special book release party at 10 p.m. on Friday, July 20. Doors will remain open until 2 a.m. to accommodate festivities and sales of discounted, pre-ordered copies of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Potter aficionados are invited to dress as their favorite Harry Potter character and catch up on previous novels by listening to readings or watching scenes from earlier Harry Potter movies. Door prizes and awards for contests and games (think jelly bean counting) are included. Sales of the new book will begin at 12:01 a.m., Saturday morning.
J.K. Rowling's last installment of the Harry Potter book series has elicited one of the largest and most anticipated book releases in history, with bookstore chains reportedly keeping early-arriving copies of Deathly Hallows under around-the-clock watch. Fans across the globe are waiting to know the fate of the boy hero who has enjoyed widespread popularity both with children and adults.
Amid the blogs and countless stories speculating on whether Harry Potter lives or dies, Rowling posted a statement on her official Web site on July 18, responding to news that the seventh bookincluding its endinghad been leaked on various Internet sites:
"As launch night looms, let's all, please, ignore the misinformation popping up on the web and in the press on the plot of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I'd like to ask everyone who calls themselves a Potter fan to help preserve the secrecy of the plot for all those who are looking forward to reading the book at the same time on publication day. In a very short time you will know EVERYTHING!"
Huntley will have a limited supply of the newest novel for those who ordered copies ahead of time. Customers may put their name on a waiting list to purchase any unclaimed and/or remaining books.
For more information about the Huntley Bookstore event, or to be added to the Deathly Hallows waiting list, contact Huntley Bookstore: 909-607-1502.
The store is located at 175 E. Eighth St., in the city of Claremont.
Erika Weingart '08