From the green ambition of Slytherin, to Gryffindor’s red badge of bravery, the blue wit and wisdom of Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff’s loyal yellow, readers of all ages have turned to J.K. Rowling’s iconic wizarding world in times of comfort. With so much uncertainty in the world right now, it stands to reason that homebound kids could use a little bit of magic in their lives – and where better to find it than in the stories about the Boy Who Lived?

Now, thanks to Pottermore Publishing the magic is unlocked.

All April and May, readers around the world will have an opportunity to discover (or relive) the magic of the first Harry Potter book without waitlists or holds. The ebook and audiobook versions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (UK) and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (US) will be available for unlimited access through your public library’s OverDrive digital collection. All library patrons will be able to borrow the title simultaneously and your standard loan period will apply, regardless of when the patron checks the ebook or audiobook out.

And because Pottermore Publishing wants to help libraries reach all members of their communities, they are providing unlimited access to the ebook and audiobook in all available languages* between now and May 31.

With physical libraries closed, social media is the best way to connect with your patrons and we have a marketing kit available full of social media graphics that you can use.  Activities for your young readers can be found at www.harrypotterathome.com.

There may be patrons who visit your OverDrive site who don’t have a library card but still want to read or listen to the first Harry Potter book while it’s available without waitlist or holds, whether it’s a longtime reader rediscovering the series again, or someone new to the series discovering the magic for the very first time. Our Instant Digital Card (IDC) service is the fastest and easiest way for new OverDrive users to get a library card. Readers can sign up for a library card and begin borrowing digital content from your library in under 30 seconds — all from their mobile device. The verification process is quick, safe, and the patron’s cell phone number doubles as their library card number. If you would like more information about IDC, please contact your Account Manager.

*Title availability may vary by geographic region.