More than a decade after J.K. Rowling closed the book on her Harry Potter series, Upper Valley fans of her novels about wizards-in-training and -distress can still share their obsession this fall.
On Saturday afternoon, Court Street Arts hosts a Hogwarts Homecoming celebration from 1 to 4 at Alumni Hall in Haverhill. Attractions include visits from Marko the Magician, from rescue owls who live at the Squam Lake Science Center and from snakes and other members of the Northeastern Reptile Welfare League.
Participants also get to try out magic wands, search for horcruxes in a scavenger hunt and experiment with magic potions.
For tickets ($10) and more information, visit courtstreetarts.org or call 603-989-5500.
And on Oct. 14, Community Access Television (CATV) is holding a fan festival on the theme of “Mischief and Magic” at the Tip Top Building in White River Junction. Activities, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., include costume contests and coloring contests with prizes from Books-A-Million and the Center for Cartoon Studies, wand-decorating, fortune-telling in a divination tent, a trivia contest, a pet photo contest and visits from residents of the Northeastern Reptile Welfare League. To learn more, visit catv8.org or call 802-295-6688.
Causes and Effects
In an appearance benefiting Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE), Etna author Jodi Picoult will talk about her new novel, A Spark of Life, at the Norwich Congregational Church next Friday night at 6.
Admission is $35 to $50 for the gathering, the second stop on Picoult’s New England tour for the book, which goes into general release on Oct. 2. The story is set in a women’s reproductive health clinic whose clients are held hostage by a gunman . PPNNE president and CEO Meagan Gallagher will interview the author, and Norwich Bookstore will provide signed copies.
To buy tickets, which include a copy of the book, visit weareplannedparenthood.org.
Detective Fiction
Newfane, Vt. novelist Archer Mayor reads from and signs copies of Bury the Lead, his new novel about detective Joe Gunther, tonight at 7 at the Norwich Bookstore. The book explores Gunther’s struggle to untangle a case in which a logger and small-time crook confesses to killing a young woman, while evidence suggests otherwise. Other complicating factors include arson, vandalism and a case of ebola.
While admission is free, the bookstore recommends reserving a seat at 802-649-1114 or info@norwichbookstore.com.
■ Volker Kutshcher, author of the series of novels about pre-World War II German detective Gereon Rath, will read from his work in room 105 at Dartmouth College’s Dartmouth Hall on Oct. 9. The reading begins at 4 p.m.
Educational Literature
Hanover High School graduate-turned elementary school teacher Erin Rounds presents her new book, Charlotte’s Bones, at the Norwich Bookstore on Wednesday afternoon, during a reception for teachers, school staff and librarians.
The book explains how the skeleton of a beluga whale became the state fossil of landlocked Vermont. The reception for educators starts at 3:30, while Rounds’ presentation, open to the public, starts at 4:15. All attendees are encouraged to RSVP at info@norwichbookstore.com or 802-649-1114.
David Corriveau can be reached at dcorriveau@vnews.com and at 603-727-3304.