Back to Hogwarts

September first is always an important day in the Harry Potter universe, as every year it's the day students return to Hogwarts. This year September first was extra-special, because it commemorated the date the epilogue of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and the first scene in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child took place.

In celebration of this rite of passage, the Dorris Van Doren Library invited wizards and witches of all ages to join us for a magical Harry Potter themed back to school party.

Young witches and wizards learned how to create their own magic wands worthy of Ollivander, made pet Pygmy Puffs (magical creatures bred by Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes), and crafted round-frame glasses in the style of The Boy Who Lived. 

After trying on the Sorting Hat to find out whether they belonged in Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin House, attendees could stop by the Leaky Cauldron for a Butterbeer float (cream soda and vanilla ice cream with a butterscotch drizzle).

It was a truly magical way to celebrate going back to school at the most magical of places: the library!

Summer 2017 Wrap-Up

Everyone had fun this summer at the Dorris Van Doren Library. This year 792 people registered for the Summer Reading Program at our branch, and hundreds of people flocked to our programs.

Summer was off to a good start with Amazing Adrian. 

This summer, Z.Z. the Clown, the Randy Collins Magic Show, the Magical Balloon Guy, and Mr. Universe also visited our branch and delighted children of all ages.

There were also many hands-on activities for children to participate in as well. One workshop taught kids how to make their own hacky sacks. They learned about chemical reactions by watching and participating in a geyser demonstration. They also created their own balloon cars out of simple materials.

There were many activities for our teen patrons to participate in as well. Our teen summer programming included a robotics program. Teens also learned how to create a video game using Bloxels, and had fun building straw structures with Strawbees.

One of the most popular teen events was button-making. Teens had a fun time drawing designs and then using the button making machine to create wearable art. 

Even though summer has ended, we still have plenty of fun events for children and teens all year round. We encourage you to check out what amazing things we have planned for this fall!