June 29, 2007

From Oz to Potter: A magical week in Olympia

In the days leading up to the release of the final book in the phenomenally popular Harry Potter series, the Olympia Timberland Library is offering events for all ages in a series of its own called "Wizard Week."

The festivities begin Friday, July 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. with a block party, "OZ Comes to Olympia." Families can celebrate the Wizard of Oz with celebrity readers, magician Jeff Evans, Dorothy from Kansas, activities, giveaways and cake. The first 50 children will receive a free book. Participants will also have opportunities to earn free tickets to see Capital Playhouse’s Page to Stage production of "The Wizard of Oz." The party is sponsored by Playhouse's Page to Stage Theatre Literacy Program.

On Monday, July 9, families can indulge in discussing a book that has enthralled five generations: L. Frank Baum’s "The Wizard of Oz." The event runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Snacks will be provided.

Lastly, teens and families can dance to the punk rock of Harry and the Potters, live from Boston! Celebrate after hours at the library Thursday, July 12 from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. The library will close as usual at 9 p.m. and reopen for the concert. Free tickets may be picked up at the library’s youth desk.  (All free tickets have been given out.)

Harry and the Potters are mainly brothers Paul and Joe DeGeorge. On guitars and saxophone they play their original songs with titles such as "The Foil (Malfoy)" "Platform 9 and ¾" and "Voldemort Can’t Stop the Rock!" Starting from the shed in their backyard in 2002, they have moved on to play in libraries, bookstores, art galleries and theaters. They’ve recorded three CDs and been interviewed in local and national media including MTV. Their Web site is www.eskimolabs.com/hp/.

The library’s events underscore the excitement that stories and reading can generate. Potter fans are counting the days to the release of J.K. Rowling’s "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" (July 21) and the fifth movie based on the series: "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" (July 11).

The Friends of the Olympia Timberland Library are co-sponsoring all three events. The Friends of the Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater Timberland Libraries are sponsoring the concert. For more information call the Olympia Timberland Library at (360) 352-0595.

Media Contact: Jeff Kleingartner, Communications Manager, 360-704-4507;

Timberland Regional Library serves the information, reading and lifelong learning needs of the Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston county public at 27 community libraries and 7 library service partner locations. The library system is funded by local property taxes. For information on any subject, the public can call Timberland’s Central Reference Service librarians at 704-4636 in the Olympia calling area or 1-800-562-6022 from all other areas. Anyone needing special accommodations to participate in a library program may contact the library one week in advance. Web site: www.trlib.org.