Cast a spell from home this April

Hi. My name is Andrea, and my nine year old daughter and I have been immersed in all things Harry Potter lately. 

This series by J. K. Rowling does not need an introduction - this book series has sold the most copies ever at 500 million sales. You can find Harry Potter in many languages and just about all its possible formats (hardback, graphic novel, audiobook, DVD, eBook, eAudiobook etc.) at Auckland Libraries, although it is currently most accessible from our OverDrive website.

You can even find quite a few titles about the Harry Potter series!

I remember when Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone first came out in 1997. I was working in a primary school library and thought the book looked good, but much too difficult to be of interest to most of the pupils.

How wrong I was! As the hype began to set in, our only copy became incredibly popular - if only as a status symbol to be seen with.

Ngā Pātaka Kōrero - Auckland Libraries · Two-minute reviews: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling

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Since that first book took off, it became only the beginning of a seven book series, and the beginning of a global industry. There are now eight movies in the series, the major stars of which have become household names. Two movies have debuted as part of a spin-off prequel trilogy based on Fantastic beasts and where to find them, a Hogwarts textbook that author J. K. Rowling wrote for the Comic Relief charity.

J. K. Rowling also co-wrote the script for a successful West End/Broadway play Harry Potter and the cursed child which takes place nineteen years after the last book in the series and won the 2018 Tony Award for Best Play.

There is a Warner Bros. Studios Tour in London with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Harry Potter and Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions at two Universal Studios theme parks.

The Harry Potter series is famous for inspiring reluctant readers to discover reading for pleasure and has many fans across the world of all ages, known as Potterheads. Explore the official Harry Potter website wizardingworld.com and check out the newest section, Harry Potter at home, which features fun activities for everyone stuck at home.

As part of the #harrypotterathome promotion, this April Auckland Libraries customers can borrow the first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in eBook or eAudiobook format on Overdrive or the Libby app without having to wait.

I read the Harry Potter series as they came out because I enjoy fantasy novels, because I like being able to compare the book to the film, and because I was curious to see what the hype was about.

I enjoyed the series then and I am enjoying it even more now sharing it with my daughter, especially hearing it narrated by the always excellent Stephen Fry. It is nice to be able to listen to Mr Fry together, watch the DVDs with a huge bowl of buttery popcorn and take some of the many quizzes.

The story of the first book is the start of what becomes a coming of age story which eventually encompasses a rags to riches story, boarding school friendships and adventures, scary teachers, the discovery of hidden talents, finding one's true identity, romance, the battle of good versus evil, magical spells and artifacts, magical beasts, thrilling Quidditch matches, friendly ghosts, epic battles, and even the challenge of coming to terms with death.

At the very least it is about popping yourself under the Sorting Hat and committing to a house – or hybrid house. I identify as Slyther-claw, how about you?


Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is available now without the waitlist on Overdrive and Libby until the end of May 2020.

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