Library

County Library Celebrates Harry Potter Anniversary

Library Harry Potter fans
Harry Potter book fans at the Encinitas Library
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Muggles and Potterheads – feel the magic as the County Library celebrates the 20th anniversary of the (U.S. release of the) series’ first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

Two library branches are going all Hogwarts Saturday, Sept. 1 to mark the occasion. The fun begins at 2 p.m. at the Fletcher Hills Library in El Cajon.

Just like the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, wannabe wizards and witches will be sorted into their proper house. Students will learn how to make a wand, practice their Quidditch skills and – watch out – even make some potions.

The Imperial Beach Library celebrates the 20th anniversary with an after-hours party from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

These wizardry students can brush up on their skills with the Wild Wonders for Care of Magical Creatures class. The San Diego Astronomy Association will bring telescopes for stargazing for the astronomy class. And don’t skip herbology, a required Hogwarts course. The San Diego Carnivorous Plant Society will be bringing a number of different specimens for this session. All ages are welcome but parents or guardians who drop off their student must sign a permission form.

For either party, students can dress for the part but it’s not required. The Fletcher Hills Library is located at 576 Garfield Ave., in El Cajon, CA, 92020. The address for the Imperial Beach Library is 810 Imperial Beach Blvd. in Imperial Beach, CA, 91932.

As an added bonus, the Library is offering unlimited checkouts on the eBook for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone through September 10. That means Potter fans or muggles won’t be put on a wait list to get the eBook if they have a County Library card. The eBook is available through the Library’s Overdrive or Libby apps.

For more information about the County Library, visit www.sdcl.org.

Tracy DeFore is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact