Community Corner

It's a Potter Pallooza at the Library

A new exhibit, book discussions and a life-sized chess game are among the events waiting for Harry Potter fans.

If you've paid attention in herbology class, if you know what a Time-Turner is, if you've ever donned a costume that includes a pair of round-framed, black glasses, you'll love what's happening right now at the .

Potter Pallooza started last week, with the installation of an exhibit called "Harry Potter’s World: Renaissance, Science, Magic, and Medicine" at the Main Library on 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills. Children's librarian Amelia Yunker wrote a grant proposal through the American Library Association to bring in the exhibition.

Even though the grant application wasn't successful, she said, "The sponsors decided to allow everyone the opportunity to have the exhibit. We're very thrilled with the prospect of this being at the library."

Find out what's happening in Farmington-Farmington Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The panels arrived just before the Memorial Day holiday and will be in place for six weeks. According to the American Library Association website, they show the J.K. Rowling series' "roots in Renaissance science, and the ethical questions that affected not only the wizards in J.K. Rowling’s books, but also the historical thinkers featured in the series. The exhibition panels explore the intersection between the Harry Potter novels and Renaissance thinkers, lore, and practices."

With support from Friends of the Library, the next two months will be filled with activities related to the Harry Potter series – starting with this weekend's Life-Sized Chess Tournament qualifying rounds. There are still spots available for chess players interested in participating in this event, which concludes June 18 with a public game featuring members of the community as chess pieces. To register, or to volunteer as a chess piece, call 248-848-4315.

Find out what's happening in Farmington-Farmington Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Other Potter Pallooza events, which are held in the Main Library auditorium free of charge and require registration unless otherwise noted, include:

Harry Potter Book discussions on Tuesdays at 7 p.m., starting June 7 - One book will be discussed each week by trained leaders, and anyone who has read the books is invited to attend.

Cranbrook Star Lab, June 23, 2 p.m., 3 p.m. or 7 p.m. - Learn about the constellations featured in the Harry Potter books.

Charms – Magic with Jeff Wawrzaszek, July 7, 2 p.m. - This high-energy, hilarious show includes pantomime, visual humor and music. Registration is not required, but seating is very limited.

Harry Potter Trivia, July 13, 2 p.m., meeting room - Dress as your favorite Harry Potter character and put your knowledge to the test, as you sample some Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans.

Herbology, July 18, 7 p.m., Main Library children's program room - Dr. Tom Leib, a licensed doctor of naturopathic medicine will teach the art of making tinctures, infusions and salves from local plant materials (for ages 10 and up).

Care of Magical Creatures, July 21, 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. - Joe Rogers of the Wildlife Recovery Association will bring live owls, a breed of birds prominently featured in the Harry Potter series.

Yunker expects to see Harry Potter fans of all ages. The series shattered U.S. book sales records; as of 2008, the books had sold over 400 million copies.

"Lots of people have grown up reading them, including myself," Yunker said. "Even grandparents are getting involved with the chess tournament."

She believes the books appeal to so many because they have "a universal story of this kid who's trying to make his mark in the world. The themes are universal ... good versus evil, kids versus adults. These kids are, most of the time, on their own trying to figure out their problems. They're also not perfect."

Potter Pallooza represents just a part of what the library is doing this summer, Yunker said. There's a summer reading program, "One World, Many Stories," offers something for children, teens and adults. The program kicks off June 11, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Farmington branch meeting room, with a party that includes prize drawings, crafts and chance to play Wii video game sports.

Also this summer, to celebrate the multicultural theme, there will be a Mexican Fiesta and a Japanese Festival, as well as a Fairy Tea Party. "We're even going out of this world, with a Star Wars party," Yunker said.

The whole idea is to get more people reading and using the library. "We're trying to encourage everyone to come to the library over the summer," she said.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Farmington-Farmington Hills