Covington library celebrates latest J. K. Rowling book

Wizards, witches and even muggles of all ages are welcome to celebrate the release of J. K. Rowling’s newest book, “The Tales of Beedle the Bard,” at the Covington branch of the St. Tammany Parish Library Friday.

The party is from 7 to 9 p.m. and will be hosted by Youth Services Librarian Jane Perreault.

“We’ll be doing some “Harry Potter” trivia, playing games, and I’ll be reading the first chapter of the book. We also encourage everyone to come in costume,” Perreault said.

The book is the latest work of fiction from the author of the wizarding sensation “Harry Potter” series, which has smashed book sales records worldwide.

“The Tales of Beedle the Bard” will be released for sale Thursday.

Perreault said the library has 33 copies ordered for use at its 11 branches parishwide, but it’s first come, first serve and there’s already a growing list of 44 people waiting to check it out.

The book is the storybook mentioned in the last installment of the “Harry Potter” series where Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, wills the book to Hermione Granger.

The book contains several short stories of folklore and fairytales of the wizarding world, similar to “Grimms’ Fairy Tales.”

All of the profits earned from the book will be donated to the Children’s High Level Group, an organization founded in 2005 by Rowling and Baroness Emma Nicholson of Winterbourne to help children across Europe living in residential institutions.

For more information, visit www.sttammany.lib.la.us or call the Covington branch at 893-6280.