ASSOCIATED PRESS Chloe Bostian, 18, at left, and Sydney Bostian, 11 wait in line with Graham Toroff, 18 at Gulliver's Books in Fairbanks, Alaska for the release of the final "Harry Potter" book in the series. The Bostian sisters have been in line since July 10 and say they intend to say there until the books become available Saturday.
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Bookstores and libraries host Potter parties
Celebrations greeting Saturday's release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," book No. 7 in the series by J.K. Rowling, will begin on Friday night at local bookstores, continuing the next day at public libraries.
As in years past, eager readers will show up for late-night parties leading up to a midnight distribution of the book. Pre-orders have been taken, although managers at most stores say there should be plenty of copies for sale.
Haunani Viola, manager at Barnes & Noble Ala Moana, said there will be enough "Deathly Hallows" books to satisfy customer demands, although she wouldn't discuss the actual number available, due to secrecy rules set by publisher Scholastic Books.
She added that "Deathly Hallows" is "sure to break all existing records" of previous books sold. "It will be a success. It's the No. 1 best-seller on barnesandnoble.com."
The state library system has ordered 240 copies -- all currently on reserve -- plus 51 audio books and a dozen large-type books.
BOOKSTORE EVENTS
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Ala Moana Center: Party from 6 to midnight Friday. Storytelling countdown begins at 6; costume contest at 7; picture-taking and frame-making at 8. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservation bands distributed before 6 p.m. Call 949-7307.
Kahala Mall: "Harry Potter Midnight Magic Event"; 8 p.m. to midnight Friday. Activities include face-painting and photo opportunities, plus games such as "Outsmart the Wizard" and a scavenger hunt. Call 737-3323.
Borders Books & Music
Pearlridge: 9:30 p.m. to midnight Friday; activities include "Potter Bee and "Great Snake Debate," costume contests and face-painting, plus giveaways. Call 487-1818.
Ward Centre: 9 p.m. to midnight. "Grand Hallows Ball" includes Harry Potter look-alike strolling musician, balloon sculpting, scavenger hunt, prizes and palm reader, plus costume contests, "Potter Bee" and "Great Snake Debate." Call 591-8995.
Waikele Center: 9:30 p.m. to midnight Friday. Games include "Name That Character" and "Name That Spell"; other activities are being planned. Call 676-6699.
Town Center of Mililani: "Grand Hallows Bash," 9:30 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday; activities include a costume contest. Call 623-2138.
Waikiki Shopping Plaza: 10 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday. Activities include Harry Potter-themed Bingo and giveaways such as miniposters. Call 922-4154.
Windward Mall: 10 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday. Activities table. Call 235-8044.
Other bookstores
Best Sellers, Bishop Square: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The winner of the two-week-long "Fun Fest" will pick up a free copy of the new book. Customers complete puzzles in advance for the prize, and the winner's name will be drawn on Friday. Call 528-2378.
BookEnds, 600 Kailua Road: Opens at 12:01 a.m. Saturday with refreshments such as "Bat's Blood." Costumes encouraged. Call 261-1996.
Library events
Hawaii State Library: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday. "Harry Potter Book 7 Celebration" in the Edna Allyn children's room. Children ages 5 and up invited to dress as Harry Potter characters, play games and make crafts. Librarians will read selections from "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," and there will be a drawing for a free copy of Book 7.
Manoa Public Library: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Harry Potter-themed activities will be held throughout the day.
Hawaii Kai Public Library: 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Sign up to play Wizard's Chess with large-scale chess pieces on a giant board; Harry Potter-themed crafts and activities will be also be available.
Kalihi-Palama Public Library: 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Saturday. "Harry Potter and the End ... A Celebration of Reading for Children of All Ages" features magician Mark Kroll. From 1 to 4 p.m., two Harry Potter movies will be shown, and crafts and other activities will be held.
Waialua Public Library: Enter to win one of five copies of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows;" deadline is Friday.
Stamp of approval
The British are wild about "Harry," issuing Royal Mail postage of a Harry Potter first- class stamp featuring the Hogwarts school crest and those of the four houses -- Hufflepuff, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. The stamps form part of the special Harry Potter collection being released in the UK today.
Hot off the press
Copies of J.K. Rowling's latest book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," line a conveyer belt inside the Amazon.com fulfillment center in Fernley, Nev., yesterday. The seventh and final Harry Potter installment goes on-sale Saturday.