Anthem Book Blog

"Be first in line for Harry Potter #6 with a Donation to the Tsunami Relief Effort" reads the announcement from the Learned Owl Bookshop in Hudson, Ohio.

The Learned Owl Book Shop is guaranteeing a free copy of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” and a place at the front of the line at 12:01 a.m. on July 16, 2005 to the first 20 people willing to write a $200 check to the American Red Cross/Tsunami Relief.

Owner Liz Murphy has been mulling over dozens of ways that the store could help in the relief efforts. “We just announced our Harry Potter Extravaganza #2 last week, and the response has tremendously enthusiastic. It suddenly struck me that others, also searching for a way to contribute to the tsunami victims, might be willing to contribute in this way.”

The Learned Owl is donating 20 copies of the $29.99 book. If the response is overwhelming, Murphy says she will continue to accept additional $200 checks guaranteeing a place in line, with $176 going directly to the Red Cross. (This unusual figure was arrived at by taking the $29.99 list price, giving the 25% discount that The Learned Owl is currently offering for prepayment, adding tax, and subtracting from $200). A special coupon will be given to those donating, and their name will go on a “VIP” list for the Harry Potter Extravaganza. For more information contact The Learned Owl at 330-653-2252 or 1-800-968-2685.