Oshkosh Public Library plans events to celebrate Harry Potter

July 15, 2011 - As fans around the world are once again spellbound by the phenomenon that is Harry Potter, the Oshkosh Public Library presents two special events to mark the release of the final film based on the
popular books about the boy wizard who triumphs over the forces of evil.

The Magic of Owls
Wed., July 20
6:30 p.m.
Under the dome
Live owls visit the library for this event, which offers a fascinating glimpse at the lives and habits of these intriguing feathered creatures. Rebekah Weiss, a certified and licensed wildlife rehabilitator from the Aves Wildlife Alliance will talk about owls' adaptations for flight and hunting and show items from her traveling trunk of feathers, wings and other artifacts. A Harry Potter fan herself, Weiss will throw in some trivia for those who love Hedwig, Pigwidgeon and the other owls of the wizarding world. Sitting in the historic dome area of the library, families can imagine they're in the Owlery at Hogwarts Castle!

Family Movie: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
"Spell"ing Bee
Tues., July 26
2 p.m.
Lower level meeting room
Enjoy a special showing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, the movie that brought Harry and friends to the big screen. There will be a special intermission event: The "Spell"ing Bee. A few "chosen ones" in
the audience will face off in this mini trivia contest designed to measure your Potter I.Q.  Prizes will be awarded to the winners.

Oshkosh Public Library also joins the Oshkosh Public Museum for its month long PotterFest event. The library has worked a bit of magic, transforming a seemingly ordinary space at the museum into the
Gryffindor Common Room. PotterFest continues through July 31. Visit the Gryffindor Common Room and pick up a copy of the Potter-themed Impossibly Difficult Crossword and the Slytherin Sudoku.  Complete the puzzles individually or as a family by July 30 and return them to the library for a chance to win prizes including Harry Potter books, movie poster books and books on CD.

Events at the library are free and open to the public. There is a charge for the museum's PotterFest event. For more information, visit http://www.oshkoshpubliclibrary.org/ or call 236-5205.