Final Harry Potter book set to hit shelves

WESLACO — By Friday night, after all the Muggles have gone to bed, the magical folk will no doubt be packing local bookstores eagerly awaiting the new and final Harry Potter novel.

While not every local library will be able to secure the book, one local children’s bookstore will go all out with a book release party to commemorate the final installment of the Potter series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”

Sarah Ann Cuadra, owner of The Storybook Garden in Weslaco and a Quest teacher at Weslaco Independent School District for grades third through fifth, will be having a book release party from 10 p.m. to midnight at her bookstore.

“People will be sorted into separate houses (Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin), for different activities like wand making, face painting, photo booth. (There will be) all things Harry going on, (including) Harry Potter beverages. We’re giving away butter beer, but it’s really root beer floats,” Cuadra said.

To get into the party, a customer must purchase the book and get a pass that will be punched at every station and activity. The books will be distributed at midnight. Activities included in the pass are a free picture with a Potter-themed background, a free treat and drink. There will also be a costume contest for adults and children, and a live band of students from local Weslaco high schools who have written their own songs about Potter.

“This will be fun and something different. It will be in the courtyard of the Villa Cortez hotel, we’ll convert it to Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron. (There will be) prize giveaways like lightning bolt tattoos, Every Flavor beans and raffling off a chance to be first or second in line to get the book,” Cuadra said.

Cuadra would not disclose how many books she ordered, but assures customers she has enough for every reserved copy and plenty left over for walk-in customers.

While the book may soon be on sale at many local bookstores, not every public library will be able to secure a book by Saturday. The public libraries in the cities of Elsa, Mercedes and Weslaco will not have “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” on their shelves anytime soon.

“We’re trying to get some, but it takes awhile with the company (Scholastic),” said Rebecca Ozuna, senior youth services specialist at the Weslaco Public Library. “How our collection development works is we have a budget; it varies (in) each department; adult, children, has a different budget.”

Ozuna hopes to get two copies of the new book as soon as possible, but that might not happen by the end of the month, she said.

“We hope to get that copy the sooner the better,” Ozuna said.

With local readers not always able to rely on their local libraries for their final Potter fix, much pressure falls on Cuadra, whose bookstore will be the only independent store in the Mid-Valley to have the final Potter by Friday night.

“Considering we’re the only children’s independent bookstore in the Valley, anyone who comes to the store that night will have a chance to win a group of four to London, it’s an independent bookstore contest,” Cuadra said. “(Participants) can buy more, but it won’t be expensive. We want to make sure everyone gets what they’re entitled to.”

To non-Potter fanatics the party may seem like a bit much, but Cuadra, also a Potter fan, said she’s seen the books’ popularity with children.

“I know it’s one of most popular books in circulation and if you look at school libraries they have more than one copy of each book and they’re worn and checked out,” said Cuadra. “I’m sure when school starts again (students) will be anxious to read it if they’re unable to get it. How often do you find children excited to be reading an 800-page book?”

Cuadra said the ultimate goal of the Potter party is to make it an experience of a lifetime local children and Potter fans of all ages.

“It’ll be an experience they’ll never forget; they’ll be able to say they went to the last Harry Potter book release party. It’s a magical event, tons of fun. I want to make the experience special for the last Harry Potter book. It’s sad it’s coming to an end, but it’s been a good experience,” Cuadra said.

The Storybook Garden is located at 260 S. Texas Blvd. at the Villa de Cortez. For more information, call (956) 968-READ.