Where To See and Celebrate Harry Potter

Pottermania is seizing fans everywhere this week as the release of the last installment of the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II, approaches.

Several branches of the Ocean County Library are throwing a host of magical parties to mark the end of the Potter era. Check out the events in store, and scroll to the bottom for local theaters showing the movie in the wee hours of Thursday, July 14.

At the , kids can celebrate with games, crafts and plenty of Potter discussion at Harry Potter Night. The event starts at 6 p.m. Wednesday and is suitable for kids ages 10 to 18.

Head to the Brick Branch (301 Chambers Bridge Road) for a Harry Potter farewell party at 2:30 p.m. today. Play quidditch, learn defensive spells and toast to the final installment of the series with some butterbeer.

The Point Pleasant Borough Branch (834 Beaver Dam Road) will hold a final movie release party at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, with a screening of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I," crafts and refreshments.

At the (101 Washington St.), come in costume for a screening of the "Deathly Hallows Part I" and other Potter festivities at 6 p.m. Wednesday. A prize will go to the best costumed attendee. Bring along your own dinner.

The Little Egg Harbor Branch (290 Mathistown Road) will also have a screening of the sixth film in the series at 6 p.m. Thursday.

The Jackson Branch (2 Jackson Drive) is going all out with a three-day Harry Potter Palooza, with activities, games and afternoon and evening movie screenings starting at 2 p.m. today. Check out wizard-themed puzzles, games and origami, make wands (including edible ones) and catch the first two films.

On Wednesday, play Harry Potter-themed board and video games, make a stained glass Hogwarts crest and watch movies three and four.

Thursday brings magical crafts, trivia, and films five and six. Check out the Ocean County Library website for more details, times, and registration info for all events.

Where to See the Movie

Midnight screenings on July 14 are already selling out, so get your tickets ASAP. Here's a list of theaters and movie times that still have available seats as of this morning:

• Marquee Cinemas Orchard 10 (1311 Route 37 W., Toms River): 12:01 a.m., regular screen and 3-D

• AMC Loews Seacourt 10 (635 Bay Ave., Toms River): 12:01 a.m., regular screen and 3-d
• AMC Loews Brick Plaza 10 (3 Brick Plaza, Brick): 12:15 a.m.; 3-D, 12:01 a.m., 12:05 a.m., 12:10 a.m.