Young Wizards Celebrate the Magic of Harry Potter

On Thursday, young wizards and witches gathered at the to celebrate the last installment of the novel and recently released film adaptation of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows.

The Harry Potter Pandemonium program held in the Teen Department of the library was a massive success with not only little wizards, but also family members of all ages that equally enjoy the universal appeal of the story of  "the boy who lived."

"I think it has universal appeal because everyone likes the battle of good versus evil," said Erin Schaarchmidt, the Head of Teen Services. "Both adults and children hope that the good will ultimately win out."

Melissa Nolan, 16, of Miller Place who has been reading the books since third grade is so excited that she pre-ordered tickets to attend the midnight showing with her younger sister, Laura.

"I love how the magic feels real," she said.

Ron, Hermione and Albus Dumbledore seemed to be the more popular characters amongst the party crowd.

Brian Gasparini, 16, expressed genuine appreciation towards the beloved Head Master Dumbledore.

"He always knows what is going on with everyone," said Gasparini. "He’s the brains behind the wand."

"I really like Hermione because she’s really smart," explained Laura Nolan.

"My favorite is Ron," said Schaarchmidt. "I tend to root more for the underdog."

"I like them all. In a way they are my friends," Melissa said.

On hand to help out with the festivities were also library employees and devoted "Harry" fans Monica Williams, Colleen Cheshire, Lisa Perrin, Nikki Greenhalgh and Cathy Greenhalgh.

Dressed as their favorite Hogwarts characters, the children were able to participate in a series of fun activities.

Using tree branches, a hot glue gun, paint and glitter, each wizard in attendance was able to create their own unique wand. Quidditch fans were able to create and name their own golden snitch by using such simple materials as a white foam ball, gold paint, glitter and white feathers.

In addition to the craft stations, fans debated the real location of the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry while proudly displaying their creations. Gathering around the Butterbeer Station, they were able to enjoy their favorite Hogsmeade treat while competing to answer trivia questions for Harry Potter related prizes including wands and various candies enjoyed by Harry and his friends throughout the series.

Thomas Jacobson won The Most Informed Muggle Award alongside his cousin,  Gasparini, who took home a gigantic glossy poster of Harry Potter after winning "Pin The Wand On Harry."

Later in the evening, fans were also treated to a special screening of the The Deathly Hallows Part One, so that they would be all caught up the films before the group screening on Friday evening at

"Most of the movies were pretty true to the books," said Melissa. "They left out a lot from the fifth book, but the first few were exactly how I imagined, probably because they were shorter books and it was easier to put everything into the movie. I’m really psyched for this one."