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   from the issue of July 26, 2007

     
 
Potter party draws 500

 BY TROY FEDDERSON, UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS

The University Bookstore opened its doors and the Muggles came calling.

 
YOUR WAND - Susan Churchill (middle), associate professor of Children, Youth and Family Studies, watches as her daughter, Ellie (left) accepts...
 YOUR WAND - Susan Churchill (middle), associate professor of Children, Youth and Family Studies, watches as her daughter, Ellie (left) accepts her wand from Brittney Nelson during the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" release party on July 20. Photo by Troy Fedderson/University Communications.

More than 500 attended the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" release party, co-hosted July 20 by the University Bookstore, Nebraska Unions and University Program Council in the Nebraska Union and the Union Plaza.

The event featured a number of family-friendly activities - including wand making, Harry Potter theme ice cream provided by the Dairy Store, train rides on the Hogwart's Express, palm reading, snacks, a costume contest and showing of the movie, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire."

"We had more than 500 people show up, and about 250 books were picked up at 12:01 a.m.," said Stephanie Budell, general book manager for the University Bookstore. "But, you didn't have to buy the book to take part. We wanted to provide a welcoming atmosphere for everyone - faculty, staff, students and the general public."

Among the Muggles (non-magic users) who attended were Susan Churchill, associate professor in Children, Youth and Family Studies, and her daughter, Ellie -both decked out in their best witchy fashions.

COSTUME CONTEST - John Parish, director of the University Bookstore, examines the broom of a contestant in the Harry Potter costume...
 
COSTUME CONTEST - John Parish, director of the University Bookstore, examines the broom of a contestant in the Harry Potter costume contest. Photo by Troy Fedderson/University Communications.

 

"We pre-ordered our book from somewhere else. But, we decided to come down and have some fun because we are both Harry Potter fans," said Susan Churchill. "They really did a good job putting an emphasis on families. There are so many things to do here with your children. It's wonderful."

The event was a first for the University Bookstore. One reason for the midnight sale was to show the public that the University Bookstore offers more than just textbooks for students, faculty and staff.

"That is a perception that we are trying to change," Budell said. "We've found that a lot of people don't realize we are even here, or they think we are only here for the university.

"I think, in the future, you will see the University Bookstore doing more things like this. We are a community bookstore and everyone is welcome here."

John Parish, director of the University Bookstore, said the event also had a more entertaining purpose.

"Harry Potter is a phenomenon and we worked with the Nebraska Unions and UPC on this because it was chance to have a lot of fun," Parish said. "That's really what being in the bookstore business is all about.


GO TO: ISSUE OF JULY 26

ARTS HEADLINES FOR JULY 26

Potter party draws 500
40th Rep season runs through Aug. 5
American Life in Poetry
'American Narratives' exhibit explores artists and their times
AT THE REP
Clay exhibit features UNL student work
Director to attend Ross screenings
Egg artistry contest deadline is Aug. 20
Movies on the Green continue to Aug. 16
'Quilts of the 1930s' on display through Aug. 31
Sheldon Connections 2 opens Aug. 10, features regional artists
Sheldon seeks volunteers for docent program
'Sight and Sound' exhibit explores Asian musical instrument collection

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