Harry Potter fans have the chance to congregate at an event hosted by the West Linn Library and the McLean House on River Street. The event, known as Harry Potter Day, will take place on Sept. 25, for kids and teens aged 5-18 years old. It is from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., giving fans lots of time to enjoy everything that Hogwarts has to offer. 

Harry Potter Day is an event that has grown from around 100 people in 2014, to an expected 800+ people in attendance this year. It has gone from a single one-time potions class to spanning the entire top and bottom floors of the West Linn Library.

“Basically it just kind of grew from this small kind of celebration of Harry Potter and the series that a lot of people are really into, to this huge kind of thematic event.” Caitrin Lenartz, librarian, said. 

There were 19 activities and classes that helped complete the whole Hogwarts experience. When attendees came to the event, wands were sold for only a dollar, so they could purchase one for a friend or family member. Activities and classes included Quidditch at the McLean House, a Charms class taught by Presto the Magician and, of course, the opportunity to get sorted into your Hogwarts house by the Sorting Hat. Getting sorted is something that is enjoyed by both the new and the veteran Harry Potter fans.

“There are little kids who are so excited about it,” Lenartz said. “And then people who came in, we call them returning students who know exactly what house they’re in. Everyone has very strong opinions about it.” 

This event needs 25 to 30 teen volunteers, and a minimum of 10 library staff members to make it run smoothly. “It takes a village,” Lenartz said. Harry Potter Day is an opportunity for everyone to get involved no matter their age or knowledge of Harry Potter.

If this event sounds like something you would be interested in, the West Linn Library always has events and opportunities for teens to get involved in including the Teen Advisory Board. The Teen Advisory Board meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month during the school year from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you have any questions about future events at the library or the Teen Advisory Board, you can contact Rebecca Mayer, the Teen librarian, or visit the West Linn Library for more information.