Children who are potty about Harry Potter can get their hands on a copy of the latest book at a magical midnight feast organised by Cumbria County Council's Library Service.
Penrith Library will be hosting the event on Friday 20 July where fans of the young wizard will be able to grab The Deathly Hallows - the seventh and final installment in the hugely popular Harry Potter series - at its midnight release.
The wizardly get-together begins at 11:30pm with a reading from the last chapter from the JK Rowling's most recent Harry Potter blockbuster, the Half-Blood Prince.
Children, who are invited to dress-up for the event as their favourite wizard, will then be read the first chapter of the new book at the stroke of midnight as they tuck into a midnight feast.
In the run-up to Penrith's very own slice of Hogwarts heaven, children who borrow four or more library books during one visit to the town's library between 29 June and 20 July will be entered into a special competition with the chance to win copies of the new book or a pair of tickets cinema tickets to see this summer's Hollywood spectacular, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
Children attending the midnight reading will also be entered into a prize draw with the opportunity to take home a free copy of The Deathly Hallows. The winners of the competition and draw will be plucked from a special magical sorting hat and announced on the night.
Copies of the new book will also be available to purchase from midnight at the library.
Children attending the event must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Tickets are free and can be obtained from Penrith Library. Places are limited and early booking is advised.
Councillor Roger Bingham, cabinet member responsible for Cumbria's Library Service, said: "There is always a great deal of interest when the latest Harry Potter book is released.
"I am delighted that the county council's Library Service is making the launch of this, the last book in the series, so exciting for young fans.
"This as an imaginative way of encouraging more readers into our libraries, especially the younger ones."
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Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337