EVENT: Harry Potter's World Brown Bag Talk at noon

Harry Potter-esque Brown Bag Talk 4
Thursday October 7, 12-1:30 pm, Alumni Auditorium
Hosted by: Steve Wehmeyer

“My Daemon can beat up your Patronus!” -- Visions of the magical “Second Self” in Western fantasy literature, art, mythology, and folklore.

This presentation explores the deep cultural roots of one of the most compelling concepts in recent fantasy literature – J.K, Rowling’s protective Patronuses and Phillip Pullman’s shape-shifting animal Daemons have their origins in ancient Western mythic traditions like that of the Roman Genius, the Greek Daimon, the Icelandic Fylgja, and the Anglo-Scottish Fetch. Through a multi-media presentation, we’ll examine some of these lesser known traditions which modern fantasy authors have mined for inspiration, and explore some of the reasons this idea of a “Double Self” continues to fascinate and intrigue us.

This presentation, while intended to appeal to a wide general audience, is particularly suited as a compliment to the questions being raised in COR 110 – “Concepts of the Self.”

Display: Constantly Connected

A new book display is up at the front desk of the library examining the internet and how it relates to ourselves and society. Check one out today!

Event: "Mandrakes, Nightshades, and More"

Mandrakes, Nightshades, and More
Wednesday, September 29, 7-9 pm, Morgan Room

Speaker: Katharine Anderson

Experience first-hand (minus screaming mandrakes), Harry's Herbology class as Katharine Anderson traces the science behind the folklore of nightshades that include the botany and chemistry that account for the family's notorious reputation.

Katharine is an ethnobotanist and cultural geographer who teaches in the Environmental Program at UVM. As an undergraduate botany major at UVM, she became fascinated with the stories of human interactions with the plant world. Her dissertation became a book titled Nature, Culture and Big Old Trees. At UVM she teaches Ethnobotany, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and Religion and Ecology. Four years ago she taught a seminar called Mandrakes, Magic and Medicine, which led to her being part of the Harry Potter's World events.

Event: "Re-connecting to Magic"

Re-connecting to Magic
Wednesday, September 22, 7-9 pm Morgan Room Speaker: Ivan McBeth
Ivan McBeth discovered early on in life that magic is a state we were all born into, a state of wonder and grace. He is excited to give a talk about this awesome mystery that exists, at the same time, inside us all, and all around us. After the talk he will conduct a ceremony to reconnect the children of the world with the magical realms that are their birthright. You are invited to help Ivan make this happen.
Ivan is the founder and head teacher of the Green Mountain Druid Order, a school of magic based in Worcester, Vermont. He builds stone circles such as the 'Earth Clock' in Oakledge Park, Burlington, and is the author of a book called The Crystal Journey. He plays the dijereedoo, throws a mean boomerang, and wears silly hats.

Event: "Reading Harry Potter"

If you love Harry Potter or even just like Harry Potter, then come join the Children's Club at the library's Harry Potter's World exhibit featuring a costume contest and a read-aloud. Prizes will be given for creativity and authenticity. Refreshments!

Monday, September 20, 4-6 pm, MIC Tower Room, Presented by the Champlain College Children's Club.

EXHIBIT: Harry Potter's World!

The Harry Potter’s World Exhibit will be on display in the Champlain College Library from September 6 through October 15, 2010. Stop by to see the exhibit and accompanying book displays, and check out the events listed on the exhibit website.

Library hours

Miller Information Commons is open over 106 hours each week during the semester! See the library's hours.