To continue raising awareness of their childhood literacy initiative, The Classroom Library Project, and other community efforts, Chattanooga Moms for Social Justice will host The Magic of Literacy, an evening of Harry Potter-themed fun, on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 4-7 p.m. at the Chattanooga Choo Choo.
"In the twenty plus years since the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, non-magic children and adults alike have delighted in the exciting world of witches, wizards and fantastical beasts created by author J.K. Rowling," organizers said. "The books have been credited with a resurgence in reading by children, and a 2014 study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology indicated that children who read the Harry Potter books exhibited more empathy than their peers who had not read the books.
"Now, Chattanooga-area non-magic folk and those still awaiting their letters from the wizarding world’s most prestigious school can marvel as the magic comes to life on Platform 9 3/4 with costumed characters, magical creatures from the Chattanooga Zoo, house sorting, magical classes, everyone’s favorite wizarding sport, themed treats, local artisans and vendors and much more magical fun at this free, family-friendly event.
"This year’s event marks the one-year launch of The Classroom Library Project. Since December 2018, Moms for Social Justice has been partnering with the Hamilton County Department of Education, Read20, ELLA, Star Line Books and local businesses to transform classroom corners in the Hamilton County Opportunity Zone schools into inviting, well-stocked libraries with diverse reading material for children who long to escape into the pages of good books."
To build on last year’s inaugural event, Moms for Social Justice will be giving away over 150 new copies of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets at The Magic of Literacy event, courtesy of donations from the community and across the country.
For more information and to get free tickets, visit https://momsforsocialjustice.us/the-magic-of-literacy-2019/.