Modesto library to hold Winter Fantasyland event at McHenry Museum. What to know
An event at McHenry Museum in Modesto will celebrate stories from the Harry Potter books and C.S. Lewis’ Kingdom of Narnia, as well as other worlds of fantasy fiction.
The Stanislaus County Library is holding the Winter Fantasyland at the museum on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m., at 1402 I St. Advanced registration for the free event is required because space is limited.
The annual event originally was the Harry Potter Hogwarts Yule Ball but it branched out to embrace other fantasy fiction including “The Chronicles of Narnia,” the “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series and the “Wings of Fire” novels.
The activities are geared for ages 9 and above, although readers of all ages are welcome.
“Young fantasy readers will enjoy this event because it gives them an opportunity to engage with stories they love, discover new worlds to explore and interact with fellow fans,” said library assistant Amber O’Brien-VerHulst of the Modesto Teen & Children’s Department.
Her email said: “Introducing readers to new stories is something that the library loves to do year-round, but an event like this gives us an opportunity to introduce a bit of whimsy into the real world.”
According to organizers, young people who have read the 7-book Harry Potter series seek out other stories in the fantasy genre.
The Fantasyland program will include a dragon egg activity inspired by Tui T. Sutherland’s Wings of Fire novels. The activity titled “Create Your Own Dragon’s Egg” is STEAM-based, allowing participants to create and decorate their own glowing dragon egg.
Among other activities, fantasy fans can decorate their own beaded camp necklace from author Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series of novels.
Young people are encouraged to wear costumes to the winter program, but it is not required. The program for children and teens also will include craft tables and snacks.
The winter event was moved to the McHenry Museum this year because of the ongoing renovation of the Modesto Library. O’Brien-VerHulst said they weren’t able to make replicas of magical worlds of fantasy fiction. Instead, exhibits in the McHenry Museum will have a magical element or an Easter egg for participants to discover.
The library still has a few slots open for volunteers to assist with Winter Fantasyland. Those interested can send an email to ambero@stanlibrary.org. For more information about the event, call 209-558-7810.
