Saturday 21 st July was designated Harry Potter day to celebrate the publication of the last Harry Potter novel, and it was celebrated in style in Lurgan and Warrenpoint Branch Libraries.

Lurgan library had a local magician for Saturday and decided to hold a number of Harry Potter themed activities and competitions. Children and adults alike in Warrenpoint were spellbound on Saturday as magician Sean Brannigan helped the library staff to celebrate the launch of the new Harry Potter book, ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows’. The Southern Education and Library Board provided funding and Harry Potter book prizes and tokens. The picture shows the winning entrants in the fancy dress competition. Tough decisions had to be made by the team of independent judges as the quality of the costumes worn by the children was spectacular but eventually winners were chosen and those who came first in the older categories were thrilled to receive copies of the long-awaited new book. Book tokens were second prizes and the little ones who came dressed up were also included and the winners received magic activity books.

A small number of other prizes and fancy dress outfits were donated by a member of staff. Lurgan and Warrenpoint Libraries had also advertised the day in the local press and notices were placed inside and outside the library.

The magic show kicked off at 11.00 am with approximately 250 people in attendance.  The first customer through the door when the library opened at 9.30 am was presented with a copy of ‘Harry and the Deathly Hallows’.

Lurgan and Warrenpoint Libraries had organised 2 colouring competitions one for younger and one for older children.  There was also a Wordsearch, a Wordwheel and a Treasure Hunt for the 10 Harry Potter characters who were surreptitiously planted throughout the library.
The Library staff willingly donned fancy dress for the day.  There was a noisy, festival-like atmosphere in the library and many of the children also arrived in fancy dress – a magical day for staff and customers alike. All the prizes and the magician’s time were sponsored by the SELB and a wonderful day was had by all. .