Published: July 22, 2007 01:10 am            

VIDEO: Children line up at Noah’s Ark for copies of Harry Potter

LOCKPORT — As you read these words, millions of Harry Potter fans all over the world have their noses deeply buried in the seventh book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”

Some may have already finished it.

The final book in the series about the boy wizard was released at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.

At Noah’s Ark on Market Street, two hours of festivities preceded the main event — opening the white and red boxes and handing out the books to the eager crowd.

When Clare Beaulieu, 13, found herself finally holding a copy of book seven, she was all smiles.

“I can’t feel my body, I’m so excited!” she said. “We’ve read all the books.”



Noah’s Ark’s new castle room was transformed into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the night, as store owner Kathy O’Keefe played the role of headmistress.

Twenty kids, from kindergartners to teens, feasted on chicken and jelly beans and took turns with the “sorting hat,” answering Harry Potter trivia questions. Each child had a jagged scar matching Harry’s painted on their forehead. Prizes were given out to the kids who came in costume.

Sean Droman, 6, dressed up as his favorite character, Ron Weasley, in black, gold and maroon robes. His mother, Noreen, said she was glad they decided to come to the party.

“It was wonderful,” she said. “It was really interactive for the kids.”

Anne McCaffrey brought her daughters, 10-year-old Gretchen and 12-year-old Meredith, to the party.

“I wanted to stay in town,” Anne said. “It was nice that they had it right in Lockport, and not to have to deal with the big lines.”

She said Meredith has been counting down to the release of the newest book.

O’Keefe said she thought the party was a success.

“We’re thrilled that we were able to put it together,” she said. “We didn’t know if we were going to be able to organize it because we didn’t know if the room was going to be done in time, but everything came together.”

The kids thanked O’Keefe as they left the store, books in hand.

Kiara Rademacher, 6, and her mother, Danyel, planned to start reading the book as soon as possible.

“She loves all the movies,” Danyel said.

Kiara said her favorite character is Hermione Granger, “because she’s a girl.”

Several of the kids had predictions for the final book. Sisters Gretchen and Meredith both said they expected Harry’s nemesis Voldemort to die, but Gretchen said she predicted Harry would die as well.

Gretchen couldn’t wait; as soon as she had her book in hand, she flipped to the last page.

Beaulieu said she was going to start reading the book with no expectations.

“I’m kind of clueless,” she said. “I don’t know what will happen.”

The Lockport Public Library received several copies of the book, but all had been reserved by Saturday, and there was a waiting list of over 100 people.

Librarian Anne Clasper said the Harry Potter books have changed the landscape of children’s literature.

“I think it’s encouraged children to read,” she said. “Once they read one, they like it and they’ll go on and read other books in the same genre. Or maybe they’ll try a mystery next time.”

Contact reporter April Amadon

at 439-9222, ext. 6251

        

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