Next week, the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library is inviting patrons of all ages to a birthday extravaganza celebrating one of the most famous wizards in the literary world — Harry Potter.

Harry Potter, also known as “the boy who lived,” is the titular character in the popular young adult fiction series by British author J.K. Rowling. The series follows Potter from the tragic death of his parents when he was an infant through his life into adulthood as he makes friends, and enemies, along the way and ultimately saves the world from a dark wizard.

In the book series, Harry’s birthday is on July 31. That date became doubly important to young Harry when he turned 11 because that is the day he learned he was a wizard.

The Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library is hosting special activities all day on Tuesday, July 31, in honor of Harry’s Birthday.

“This is the first time we have celebrated his birthday,” said Bernie Weese, Patron Services Supervisor at the library. Previously, the library has hosted a back to school event with a Harry Potter theme featuring the Hogwarts Express, which is the magical train young witches and wizards ride to make the journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Throughout the day on July 31, library patrons can take part in a variety of games, crafts, and activities all featuring a Harry Potter and wizarding theme. The library will serve wizarding treats inspired by the book series as refreshments during the event.

“We will have different activities throughout the day. Anyone can drop in,” Weese said. “We will have wizards chess, but not life-size, if anyone is brave enough to play it.”

From 4-5 p.m. on Tuesday, the library will host some special Harry Potter activities just for teens.

“They will be sorted into their houses,” Weese said. At Hogwarts, students are “sorted” into one of four magical houses — Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.

Teens can also take part in a costume contest. Weese said for those witches or wizards who have a mischievous side, there will be some things at the event on Tuesday with a Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes theme.

All of the events and activities celebrating Harry’s birthday are free and open to anyone who would like to attend.

“Wizards, witches, muggles, and other magical creatures are all welcome,” Weese said.

The library has a display set up featuring several of the items from the Harry Potter collection that are available for patrons to check out.

For more information, contact the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library at 423-547-6360. The library is located at 201 N. Sycamore Street in downtown Elizabethton.