Library sponsoring ‘Harry Potter’ contest

COEUR d’ALENE – The final book in the “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling will be in libraries and bookstores this month.

The Coeur d’Alene Public Library is sponsoring a contest for kids, challenging them to write what they think should be the last sentence of that novel.

The library also is planning a party next week to celebrate the popular series.

Youths 9 to 16 years old can write a proposed final sentence for “The Deathly Hallows” and submit it to the library to be judged for the most creative conclusion to the “Harry Potter” series.

Since no one knows yet what Rowling’s actual final sentence will be, the library cannot give an award for the most accurate final sentence.

So, participants may write any conclusion they want. The only restrictions are that the sentence:

“Must be original.

“Must indicate whether Harry and Voldemort live or die. (You don’t have to state it directly; you can be subtle and allow the reader to infer their fates from your sentence.)

“Cannot exceed 75 words.

“Does not have to end with or include the word “scar.”

The deadline to turn in your entry at the library is 7 p.m. Wednesday. Be sure your full name and phone number are on your entry. Only one entry per person is allowed.

The library will award at least one prize for the sentence that most creatively, interestingly, plausibly or humorously concludes the “Harry Potter” series.

The winner(s) will be announced Friday at 4 p.m. at a “Farewell to Harry Potter” party at the library.

Participants may come dressed as their favorite character in the series and participate in some “magical” fun. Costumes are not required, however.

The winning entry or entries also may be posted on the library’s Web site.

For more information, contact the library’s Youth Department at 769-2315 or send e-mail to info@cdalibrary.org.