Scholastic Offers Libraries Harry Potter Sweeps

Harry Potter isn't just for kids. Even U.S. libraries are joining in the book craze, thanks to a new contest by Scholastic Inc.

J.K. Rowling's sixth edition of Harry Potter hits retail store July 16

Scholastic Inc., the publisher of the series, is giving libraries across the country a chance to win the first signed American copy of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" —the latest entry in the Harry Potter series—signed by author J.K. Rowling. To enter the sweepstakes, any public library within the United States can fill out an entry form available at Scholastic.com/harrypotter/librarysweepstakes .

On July 15, representatives from the winning library will receive the signed copy of the book, but will have to wait until 12:01 a.m. on July 16—the official release day of the book—to take permanent possession.

Under the contest rules, the book can't be sold. It must remain in the library's collection, preferably on display. Rowling's sixth book in the Harry Potter series goes on sale July 16.

"Scholastic is committed to supporting our public libraries, and this seems a fitting way to recognize their importance and to say thank you to communities across the U.S. that have embraced J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter, said Barbara Marcus, executive VP, Scholastic, in a statement.

Scholastic donated the first author-signed copy of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" to the New York Public Library in 2003.

Entries must be received by June 30. Internet materials support.

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