Library hosts Harry Potter party
<p>Ben Levy, 6, samples some Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Jelly Beans, from the popular fantasy novel series, Harry Potter, Tuesday during the Harry Potter Party held at the Coeur d'Lane Public Library to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the publication of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”</p>
<p>During the Harry Potter Party Tuesday, Ruthy Winton, 13, plays some quidditch at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library in celebration of the 15th anniversary of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone."</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - While their grandchildren were outside searching for dragon eggs, Pat Bragg and Ginny Taft got to know each other Tuesday at Coeur d'Alene Public Library.
The dragon egg hunt was one of many party activities enjoyed by dozens of costumed children who turned out for the library's celebration of the 15th anniversary of the publication of "Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone."
"We were just saying how well this was done," Taft said.
The library's community room had been transformed into Hogwarts, the boarding school for young witches and wizards featured in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter book series.
Candles appeared to float in the air, and the crests and emblems of the Houses of Hogwarts - Griffyndor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin - were on display.
Bragg and Taft, who had just met for the first time, sat at the Griffyndor table.
"The grandkids were just so excited ... and they did a great job here, even with the snacks," Bragg said, pointing to a tray of broom-shaped treats fashioned out of pretzel sticks and string cheese bits.
Nearby, dressed in a witch's robe, Cecilia Kelly, 12, sipped a cup filled with a blue liquid.
"I'm drinking the potion that I made," Kelly said, referring to another party activity offered by library staff. "I'm a total Harry Potter nerd. I think this is awesome. It's the coolest Harry Potter thing I've ever been to."
Kayden Trott, 8, of Spirit Lake, didn't flinch when asked what his favorite part of the party was, "Quidditch."
The game was played sans broomsticks as children tossed balls through suspended circles. Party attendees decorated wands they were given, sampled jelly beans and ate Caldron Cakes.
"The staff did such a great job," said Library Director Bette Ammon.