Mystery Shrouds

Harry Potter Program

At The Library

By Tanjua Damon

There must have been some spell at work on Alana Maloni and Liz Arneth because they were both tight lipped about the upcoming children’s program featuring something about Harry Potter.

On October 3, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, the spell will be released and those participants who dared to sign up will be revealed the truth about “Harry Potter Nimbus Shazam 2000,” a trivia game about the popular books by J.K. Rowling. There are currently four Harry Potter books; the latest was released over the summer.

Children’s Librarian Alana Maloni isn’t giving any secrets away about the upcoming library program, but will reveal that children are signing up and it should be lots of fun.

“Part of the fun is to be surprised,” she said. “The sign up sheet is just about full.”

Liz Arneth is a retired Ridgefield English teacher. This is the third Harry Potter program she has offered to Newtown children at the library.

“I just like the fact that kids read them,” Ms Arneth said. “I don’t read fantasy and magic that much. To read the books and enter her world is just so very unique. It’s magical.”

Ms Arneth is excited about the energy that children display after reading a Harry Potter book. Even she has read the books and admits enjoying them greatly.

“Harry’s just a great character. You care about him. It has it all,” she said. “As long as there is interest I’ll be happy to do them [the programs].”

You may be wondering about the name “Nimbus Shazam 2000.” Nimbus 2000 is the name of the broom used in the Harry Potter books, according to Ms Arneth. Shazam is a magical term used often.

“It’s just a lot of fun. The kids are great,” she said. “They want to be there. They’re having a good time and they want to tell you all that they know.”

There are 25 spaces for the program. But space is filling quickly, so stop by the library to sign up or call 426-3851.