SHRIEKS of 'expelliarmus' and 'Gryffindor' pierced the usual calm and tranquility of Barrow Library when it hosted a very special Harry Potter day.
The Ramsden Square venue was transformed into a mini-Hogwarts on Saturday when child muggles from across Furness were treated to a celebration of all things magical.
Exploding hats, invisible ink drawings and quizzes were just some of the highlights of the event which followed on from Harry Potter World Book Night, held on Thursday.
Children dressed up in full wizarding robe attire, portraying many of the characters from the famous books including Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Bellatrix Lestrange.
Inspiring children
Janice Winch, an event organiser who played the role of Professor McGonagall on the day, said the idea behind the event was to bring fiction to life and encourage children to read.
She said: "We've had all sorts going on. They have done some amazing potion making with exploding hats and a quiz. The transfiguration team got full marks.
"The whole idea is to get children into the library and having fun."
For the children it was almost like taking a trip on the Floo Powder Network as they were transported into JK Rowling's magical world.
The library was given a complete makeover, with labelled potion bottles, bunting for each of the four Hogwarts houses, broomsticks, cobwebs and spell books decorating the children's section.
Intricate details added to the effect of fantasy coming to life, with chocolate frogs given to winners of various competitions and wands handed out to the children as they arrived.
In the potions class, library assistants used bicarbonate of soda to create an exciting volcanic eruption effect once poured into a wizarding hat.
Fun for everyone
Six-year-old Jake Macaulay said: "I liked the potions. I like the dressing up."
His mother, Claire Macaulay, of Walney, said: "It's great. They've all had lots of fun.
"It's nice that they learn about the spells."
Tickets for the free event were all taken within a matter of days and the library is hoping to put on another Harry Potter day in March due to the huge demand.
Jack Armstrong was one of the prize winners in the best costume competition after dressing up as Dobby the House Elf. Fittingly, he even brought along a solitary sock to hold.
The seven-year-old's favourite part of the event was the potions class. He said: "It was fun. We put some stuff in the hat and it came back up."
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