Published: October 30, 2009 12:00 am      

Harry Potter fans test their knowledge

By MICHELLE MILLER
Staff Writer

The Library Club of Cooperstown Central School and the Friends of the Village Library hosted a Harry Potter Party at the Village Library on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

The evening featured Harry Potter trivia contests, refreshments, and prizes and was planned by student members of the Cooperstown School Library Club, under the direction of Media Specialist Michelle Hitchcock.

Hitchcock said the event was a ``huge’’ success with approximately 75 participants.

``The kids and the adults had a great time,’’ said Hitchcock.

The event was free and designed for Harry Potter fans ages 10 and older. Participants were encouraged to dress as Harry Potter characters, and most did, according to Hitchcock.

Kids were sorted into one of the Hogwarts’ school houses (Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, Slytherin and Hufflepuff) using a sorting hat upon their arrival. The kids then attended 15-minute classes and answered trivia questions winning points for their house.

Hitchcock said the Ravenclaw members won the House Cup.

She said a number of kids received a ``Hermione Award’’ for their superior knowledge of the Harry Potter book series. Prizes were given for the best costumes as well, said Hitchcock. One house cup is on display at the high school and the other at the public library.

The Library Club is made up of students in grades 6-12 who help run book fairs and special events. They meet for book discussions during the school year and participate in the Battle of the Books. This competition consists of teams of four students who read 20 books.

Each team competes locally and the winners of that event then go on to compete against Fort Plain and Dolgeville in April.