A SPELLBINDING afternoon is set to take place next week for Harry Potter Book Day.

All young wizards, witches, and muggles are invited to celebrate the day, created by Bloomsbury Publishing, celebrating J.K. Rowling's iconic series.

As in previous years, St Helens Council’s library service will be getting in on the action with a not-to-be-missed free after school event – this time at Newton-le-Willows Library which will be transformed into the wizarding world of Harry Potter, with crafts, magical activities, and a potion class.

Tying in with this year’s theme ‘Care of Magical Creatures’ there will also be a selection of wonderful creatures from the books, courtesy of Animal Take Over, for visitors to handle and pet.

Meanwhile, crafts and games such as glasses and badge making, ‘what house are you in?’ using a sorting hat, and a treasure hunt will be taking place in St Helens Library - based in The World of Glass Museum – with a small selection of themed crafts on offer at Chester Lane and Moss Bank libraries, too.

Encouraging families to attend, Councillor Kate Groucutt, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and Leisure, said: “Harry Potter Book Day is always one of the highlights on our library service’s calendar of events which attracts a large number of families, so I’m delighted to see it return this year, with related activities spread across others libraries as well.

“Our libraries team always go to great lengths to make it’s a special occasion so grab your wands, robes, and imagination, and join us for an unforgettable day of wizarding fun as we celebrate one of the most influential series of books ever written.”

Fancy dress is encouraged for these events but not required, with a prize for best costume up for grabs at Newton-le-Willows.

Harry Potter Book Day at Newton-le-Willows Library will take place on Thursday, October 17 between 4pm-6pm, with activities at St Helens, Chester Lane and Moss Bank libraries happening on the same day from 3.30pm-4.30pm.