South Valley bookstores will be celebrating the release of the sixth Harry Potter book, “Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince,” on Saturday, July 16.
BookSmart, Morgan Hill
The celebration will begin Saturday at Booksmart at 9am and will continue as long as the magic can last. There will be activities, prizes and giveaways and a raffle drawing – everyone who attends will receive a free ticket and a chance to win some prizes. A Harry Potter trivia challenge will be held for fans to compete for prizes. Free butterbeer will also be available. Guests are encouraged to join the staff and dress as their favorite Harry Potter character. “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” is available at a 25 percent discount and includes a free gift. About 250 to 300 books have already been pre-sold. Booksmart is located at 17415 Monterey St. Suite A in Morgan Hill. For details, call (408) 778-6467.
Barnes & Noble, Gilroy
Barnes & Noble will throw a Midnight Magic Party Friday evening and will stay open past midnight to let revelers be the first to get their hands on the book. Festivities at the bookstore begin at 6pm and include contests, games and giveaways, face painting and a costume party. The book will go on sale 12:01am Saturday. There are a couple of rules:
n Check in at the table at the front of the store to receive a numbered wristband beginning at 6pm. Everyone who wants to buy a book at the party must have a wristband. Those who pre-ordered a book will receive a yellow wristband and will line up first. All other customers will receive orange wristbands.
n All children should be accompanied by an adult.
n Customers will be asked to line up in groups of 50 to pick up their books.
Barnes & Noble is located at 6825 Camino Arroyo in Gilroy. For details, call (408) 846-5777.
