#HarryPotterAtHome for everyone

As the library's foremost Harry Potter fan, I try to create Harry Potter-themed events whenever possible, especially for adults who often get overlooked as fans of this beloved world. In this unusual and difficult time of social distancing, self-isolation and worry, I am happy to note that there are several new access points to Harry Potter material and lore for fans of all ages.

1. J. K. Rowling and WizardingWorld.com have announced the release of the new online Harry Potter hub: Harry Potter at Home. It has info, quizzes, crafts, lore and all sorts of fun Harry Potter resources for parents, teachers, carers, students and adult fans too. Don't forget to get sorted into your house!

2. J. K. Rowling has announced that she has granted open licenses for teachers and now allows them to make and share videos of themselves reading her books for students online.

3. As a part of the #HarryPotterAtHome release, Overdrive has issued free access to the first book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. It is accessible through the end of April and available to everyone who has access to Overdrive as a City of Dubuque C-SPL card holder, or Bridges Overdrive, through the Dubuque County Library. What's really cool about this is these are available in many languages and in ebook or downloadable audio formats. May I humbly recommend you try the audio version, as Jim Dale is *amazing* as the narrator of the entire Harry Potter series and is a joy to listen to.

4. Speaking of the joy of audio books, Audible.com is also offering free streaming of the digital audio book version of the first book (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) under their "Audible Stories" section.  But here is the kicker - they are offering the British version of the audio book, which was narrated by actor and comedian Stephen Fry! As a die-hard Harry Potter fan, I have been aching to get my hands (and ears) on this audio version! While I am committed to Jim Dale forever as the Best. Narrator. Ever...I still wanted to hear a new take by a different narrator. You never know what new details or nuance you might pick up with a new voice.

5. Lastly, how about a Harry Potter themed online escape room? Sounds awesome, right? Sydney Krawiec, Youth Services Librarian at Peters Township Public Library in McMurray, PA created this Hogwarts Digital Escape Room for Harry Potter fans who are stuck at home. Thank you, Sydney!

If you have never read the Harry Potter series, I challenge you to do so now. The options for access and Harry Potter fun are wide open. Who couldn't use a little escape to Hogwarts right about now?

~Angie, Adult Services Librarian and Gryffindor For Life