Potter Parties

As J.K. Rowling works her magic one last time with the final Harry Potter book, local library branches and bookstores are throwing one last party for the junior wizard.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" hits bookstore shelves at midnight today, and the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District will have copies available Saturday at local branches. All of the district's 300 copies have been put on reserve, but there will be a few on hand at urban library checkout desks.

Here are some of the events taking place at local bookstores:

• Barnes & Noble, 567 N. Stephanie St. in Henderson, will host the "Midnight Magic Costume Party" starting at 7 p.m. today.

Planned activities include prizes, photo opportunities, art, face-painting, fortune-telling and a trivia scavenger hunt.

At midnight, discounted copies of Rowling's book will go on sale.

"We're expecting an even bigger crowd than for the earlier books," says Pamela Lang, the store's community relations manager. "We're expecting huge crowds. We have pretty much the whole staff on board."

Those wishing to purchase the book, including customers who made reservations, will need tickets to get in line. Ticket distribution will begin at the Henderson store at 4:30 p.m. (434-1573).

At Barnes & Noble , 8915 W. Charleston Blvd., a "Midnight Magic" party will take place from 6 p.m. to midnight today. Games, activities and a costume contest are planned (242-1987).

• The "Grand Hallows Ball," starting at 9:30 p.m. today, will feature activities, games and giveaways at Borders bookstores at 2323 S. Decatur Blvd.; the Fashion Show mall, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 1445 W. Sunset Road in Henderson; 2190 N. Rainbow Blvd.; and 10950 W. Charleston Blvd.

• The NeverEnding Story Children's Bookshoppe is inviting children to wear their "Harry Potter" costumes to "The Magical Harry Potter Party," plus there will be trivia, a magician, a Harry Potter movie viewing area, themed snacks and a costume contest. The party starts at 10 p.m. today (869-8943).

• Library events include the Harry Potter Movie Marathon with "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" at 11 a.m. Saturday and "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" at 11 a.m. July 28 at the Enterprise Library, 25 E. Shelbourne Ave.

Also Saturday, there's "Muggle Magic at Hogwarts!," a refresher course on Harry Potter with activities and raffles for prizes. Pre-registration is required (507-3436), but enrollment is limited. It starts at 11 a.m. at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road.

The Remus Lupins, a "wizard rock band," will perform at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd. (507-3947), and 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Whitney Library, 5175 E. Tropicana Ave. (507-4015).

For a grand finale, a birthday party for Harry will take place at 2 p.m. July 31 in the Whitney Library.