Islanders will be able to borrow the publishing sensation 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Golden Phoenix' from the library next week, but only if their names are among the first 100 on the reservation list.
The Vancouver Island Regional Library, which serves the islands, will have 100 copies of Harry Potter book available Monday June 23-but they'll be flying off the shelves, because the library already has 585 advance requests.
This is the first time the VIRL has ever bought 100 copies of a book, says Janet Delgatti, Manager of Programs and Youth Services for the library. They normally by 60 or less, but this time made an exception.
"It's money well spent because I knew the demand would be strong, but also because we know these books will be read until they fall apart," says Ms Delgatti.
The library spent $2,600 to buy the newest edition in the Harry Potter series. It received permission from the publisher to open the boxes and process the books early to have them ready for the book's release date.
But readers will have to read fast. The library has restricted book's loan period to two weeks, not the usual three because it will be in such high demand.
If you want to reserve a copy, you can speak to a VIRL librarian at the Masset, Port Clements, Queen Charlotte or Sandspit branches. Reservations can also be made online at www.virl.bc.ca.