FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Library to host free Harry Potter exhibit, programs

Free Harry Potter programs

Six weeks of magic are on the way to Virgil I. Grissom Library in Newport News. This exhibit explores the world of the fictional character Harry Potter and its roots in Renaissance magic, science, and medicine.

Trading Cards from Harry Potter’s World Exhibition, which will be on display Sept. 5-Oct. 16 at Newport News’ Grissom Library. The Library also will be hosting free programs, movies, contests and more as part of the exhibit display. Courtesy National Libr

Six weeks of magic are on the way to Virgil I. Grissom Library in Newport News. A traveling exhibit, “Harry Potter's World: Renaissance, Science, Magic, and Medicine,” will be on display in the Grissom Library Sept. 5-Oct. 16, 2010. The exhibit explores the world of the fictional character Harry Potter and its roots in Renaissance magic, science, and medicine.

The six-banner traveling exhibition was created to explore the link between Harry Potter and the history of science using materials from the National Library of Medicine. More information about the exhibit is available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/harrypottersworld/index.html

Along with the exhibit, Grissom Library will be hosting the following special free programs during the entire six weeks the exhibit will be on display, as well as a trivia contest. Prizes for the trivia contest include Harry Potter books and gift cards from Barnes and Noble Booksellers. All programs will be held at Grissom Library, 366 DeShazor Drive, Newport News, VA 23608.

Harry Potter Kick-off Program, Sept. 11

Families can enjoy craft and food stations, and kids can compete for prizes for the best Harry Potter costume, 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 11. Prizes will include gift bags from Barnes and Noble Booksellers and other Harry Potter items.

Movie Showing: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” Sept. 18

Families can enjoy a screening of a Harry Potter movie, 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 18.

Author Talk by George Beahm, Sept. 21

George Beahm, author of “Fact, Fiction and Folklore in Harry Potter’s World” and “Muggles and Magic,” will speak about his books on the Harry Potter universe, 7-8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 21. Adult Program.

Movie Showing: “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” Sept. 25

Families can enjoy a screening of a Harry Potter movie, 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 25.

Movie Screening: “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” Oct. 2

Families can enjoy a screening of a Harry Potter movie, 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 2.

Harry Potter Book Series Discussion, Oct. 9

Families can join Kara Keeling, English professor at Christopher Newport University, for a discussion of the Harry Potter series, 2-3:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 9.

Movie Screening: “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,” Oct. 16

Families can enjoy a screening of a Harry Potter movie, 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 16.

All of the programs are free and open to the public. Part of the Newport News Public Library System, Grissom Library is located at 366 DeShazor Drive, Newport News, VA 23608. For more information, please call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

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