Cornwall Public Library transports readers into another world
Harry Potter is as popular today as it was 13 years ago when J.K. Rowling began publishing the series of books which transport readers into the Wizarding World complete with mystery, magical spells, and strange creatures.
On July 29, the Cornwall Public Library offered patrons, ages four and up, the opportunity to experience the life of a Wizard in Training, just like Harry Potter.
The Wizard Academy video, created by David Engel, begins with the introduction of Professor Hackensneeze, a wizard of the third degree. He advises all participants he will help them access the power within them if they work hard in the Wizard Academy. He then proceeds to give viewers the honorary title of W.I.T. (Wizards in Training).
Hackensneeze often breaks the fourth wall as he communicates with those on the other side of the screen. He warns he can see the W.I.T.’s picking their nose. When taking attendance, Hackensneeze observes a number of parents raising their hands when he asks who would prefer to be sipping a coconut on a deserted island far, far away.
With the formalities out of the way, Hackensneeze asks his wizards to stand up. In order to access the magic within and without, one needs to be strong in body and spirit, he said as he instructs viewers to run in place and then jump as high as they can. To feel the power within, Hackensneeze said all one has to do is wave their own ephemeral magic wand-their index finger.
Next, the professor introduced his audience to his familiar. He said familiars help access the power of nature. Witches have black cats and wizards have owls or pythons. Hackensneeze’s familiar was a Squoon — a cross between a raccoon and squirrel-named Mortimer. He then asks if anyone has a familiar like a cat, dog, or small dragon.
“All creatures have powers and should be treated kindly,” said Hackensneeze.
In order to be a wizard, Hackensneeze advises one must hone powers of observation and develop other skills such as patience, resilience, grit, and creativity.
Testing out his students’ magical powers, he has them focus on a black and white spiral. Once he removes the spinning disk, the wizards should observe their professor’s head expand to twice its natural size.
To access his spell and potion box, Hackensneeze required a key, but it was no ordinary key.
Since the box didn’t have a keyhole, the wizards in training had to use their magical powers to turn the key.
Using humor and sleight of hand to perform magic tricks, Hackensneeze entertained his audience for about 50 minutes. By the end of the session, each participant received the rank of wizards in the first degree.
