In my tenure at Borders one of my favorite aspects of my job was being involved with the Harry Potter book releases. While often characterized by severe stomach pains and sleepless nights leading up to the release dates and even a few unpleasantly demanding customers on the day of release Harry Potter evenings at Borders were most often what made my job worth doing. All the schlepping of 30 to 50 pound boxes, the checklists, the wristbands, the entertainment planning faded into the distant memory as the young and young at heart filled our store to capacity with the energy and passion only book addicts can conjure up. One of my favorite memories was the year
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was released. It was a uniquely special year because my sister and her family were visiting and three of the kids (including this handsome one in the photo) got into the spirit of Harry Potter and pieced together last minute costumes. Calvin was Dudley Dursley, Lincoln was Scabbers, and Madison was Professor Trelawney. I was lucky enough to spend the night doing what I loved the most with the people I love nearby and part of the synergy. Madison made a new friend that night and I felt hyped up on book lover excitement, supercharged by the anticipation and joy of hundreds of eager readers. Games were played, costumes judged and awarded prizes, and at 12:01 am the first HP6 was sold at our registers. What an adventure my years at Borders Syosset were....thank you Borders.
