'Harry Potter' Party Planned for Release of New Book

Naperville, IL — In 1997, J.K. Rowling published the first installment of what would become one of most successful literary franchises in history.

And while it may seem incredible today, Rowling even visited Anderson’s Bookshop for the first and third entries in the “Harry Potter” series.

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Now, 19 years later, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” will hit bookstores across the country July 31.
To celebrate, all Anderson’s Bookshop locations will hold a Potter release party. The last time one was held was with the release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” in 2007.

This latest book will be a bit different, though. It’s actually the script for a stage play currently being produced in London. The play, for all intents and purposes, is the eighth Potter story. Picking up 19 years later, “Cursed” will focus on an adult Potter and his son, Albus Severus.

The play is currently slated to begin on the London stage July 31, and Anderson’s, along with booksellers across the United States, is making the script available on that significant day as well. A release party, The Party That Shall Not Be Named, will include games, activities and entertainment.

Activities and programs will begin at 10 p.m. at the Downers Grove location, at 6 p.m. in Naperville and at 6:30 p.m. in La Grange. Enjoy trivia contests, wand-choosing, our prediction wall and entertainment. Costumes are encouraged for all three parties!

Anderson’s relationship with J. K. Rowling, author of the phenomenally-successful Harry Potte series, dates back to her first book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone." Due to the admiring Anderson’s booksellers, and their success in putting that initial title into readers’ hands by personally recommending it, Rowling was surprised and delighted to find a welcoming and devoted crowd of 125 people on a Monday morning in October 1998 when she first visited Anderson’s for a book signing.

Flourish and Blotts
Anderson’s Bookshop
123 W. Jefferson Ave.

Below is a list of events planned of the Naperville party:

Magical Boutique-Harry Potter dress and accessories
ALL DAY

Muggle Wall (Write what Harry Potter means to YOU!)
ALL DAY

Horcrux Hunt search through 7 local stores
ALL DAY

Azkaban Prisoners Line-Up Photo Opp (Bring Your Camera!)
6 p.m.

Live Raptors
6 p.m.

Wand Experience: The wand chooses you based on your unique physical and character traits. To benefit Kids Matter.
6 p.m.

Intro to Charms Class (AKA- Spellcasting: 101)
6 p.m.

Live Magical Portraits in Anderson’s Windows
6 p.m.

Live Chess Game
6 p.m.

Pottermania Trivia
6 p.m.

Tattoo Station
6 p.m.

Professor Trelawney’s Amazing Predictions (Your fortune is our specialty!)
6:00 p.m.

Live Chess Game
6:45 p.m.

Human Chess Game
7:30 p.m.

Ticket holders begin receiving their copies of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at midnight.