Mischief Managed

With Contributions from Gwen Schemm.

Who doesn’t love the thought of having magic? Being able to get things done at the flick of a wrist would make life so much easier. Though it sounds great, we all know that magic is not real. However, Frostburg State University (FSU) brought it to life for one night of fun and amusement.

On the night of Feb. 8, 2019,  FSU transformed its campus into a world of magic. The Children’s Literature Center (CLC) partnered with the Lewis J. Ort Library to host the annual Harry Potter Book Night. This special occasion was inspired by the books written by J.K. Rowling. Each year the university transforms the Ort Library into the one and only Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Students as well as residents of the surrounding community were invited to come and enjoy a night full of enchanted activities.

This was the 5th year of the Harry Potter Book Night. In the 5 years of the event, there have been between 125-350 participants who come to enjoy the magical evening. Dr. Mandy Vandivier smiled as she remembered the first year of the event saying that at the time she was approached by the CLC. At the time, Vandivier was teaching a sociology of Harry Potter course. She noted that she instantly saw the fifth floor of the Ort Library and could imagine a full game of quidditch being played. Vandivier also credited Dr. Barb Ornstein with her efforts to make the night successful.

Before going on a quest through Hogwarts, guests, just like the young wizards from the books and films, were sent to the train station. Located in the Lane University Center, the Atkinson room was transformed into what all Harry Potter fans know as Platform 9 ¾. While waiting on the platform, the guests were able to sit and enjoy clips from the Harry Potter films.

Guest were transported by a faculty member from the platform to Hogwarts (the Ort Library) where the fun continued. The young wizards were sorted into four different houses: Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Gryffindor.

Each wizard was given a wand and a schedule to guide them on their journey. The room was filled with fun, laughter, and snacks to provide the full Hogwarts experience. The event was filled with locals eager to see what the night had to offer. Some of the young wizards even got into character by dressing in Hogwarts uniforms, and some of the faculty joined in with costumes of their own.

We here at the Bottom Line would like to thank everyone for attending the event and hope that it was an enjoyable night for all. We can’t wait to see what the university has in store for us next.