'Harry Potter' Party Planned for Release of New Book

By Scott Viau (Patch Staff)

In 1997, J.K. Rowling published the first installment of what would become one of most successful literary franchises in history.

And while it may seem incredible today, Rowling even visited Anderson’s Bookshop for the first and third entries in the “Harry Potter” series.

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Now, 19 years later, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” will hit bookstores across the country July 31.
To celebrate, all Anderson’s Bookshop locations will hold a Potter release party. The last time one was held was with the release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” in 2007.

This latest book will be a bit different, though. It’s actually the script for a stage play currently being produced in London. The play, for all intents and purposes, is the eighth Potter story. Picking up 19 years later, “Cursed” will focus on an adult Potter and his son, Albus Severus.

The play is currently slated to begin on the London stage July 31, and Anderson’s, along with booksellers across the United States, is making the script available on that significant day as well. A release party, The Party That Shall Not Be Named, will include games, activities and entertainment.

Activities and programs will begin at 10 p.m. at the Downers Grove location, at 6 p.m. in Naperville and at 6:30 p.m. in La Grange. Enjoy trivia contests, wand-choosing, our prediction wall and entertainment. Costumes are encouraged for all three parties!
Anderson’s relationship with J. K. Rowling, author of the phenomenally-successful Harry Potte series, dates back to her first book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone." Due to the admiring Anderson’s booksellers, and their success in putting that initial title into readers’ hands by personally recommending it, Rowling was surprised and delighted to find a welcoming and devoted crowd of 125 people on a Monday morning in October 1998 when she first visited Anderson’s for a book signing.

The schedule for La Grange:
Anderson’s Bookshop
26 S. La Grange Road

Saturday
ALL DAY
Muggle Wall (Write what Harry Pottermeans to YOU or Predictions!)

Saturday
ALL DAY
Horcrux Hunt search through 7 local stores

Saturday 5 p.m. for ages 8 and under
Costume Contest

Saturday
6 p.m. for ages 9-14
Costume Contest

Saturday
7 p.m. for ages 15-18
Costume Contest

Saturday
8 p.m. for ages 19 and up
Costume Contest

Saturday
8 p.m.
Wands and spells class (limited quantities!)

Saturday
9:30-10:30 p.m.
Live Raptors from the Northern Illinois Raptor Center

Saturday
8 p.m.
Pottermania Trivia

Saturday
10:30-11:30 p.m.
Professor Trelawney’s Fortune Telling

Saturday
Midnight
Ticket holders begin receiving their copies ofHarry Potter and the Cursed Child at Anderson’s Bookshop-where the magic began.