Fans to learn Harry Potter’s fate

Harry Potter himself, or rather actor Daniel Radcliffe, said he thinks he might die while braving the Deathly Hallows in the final installment of the Harry Potter series. At midnight tonight, Newport-Mesa readers will have the chance to find out for themselves.

Admirers of the fantasy book series can spend today’s final hours of anticipation celebrating at Newport-Mesa’s Borders and Barnes & Noble bookstores, where first-run copies of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” will be distributed at midnight.

Costume contests, Harry Potter-themed spelling bees and other “wizardly activities” await visitors at both of Costa Mesa’s Borders stores, beginning at 9:30 p.m.

“It’s been even more eagerly anticipated than the last six because everyone knows this is going to be the last one, and they want to find out what happens with Harry,” said Kelly Heyl, general manager of the Borders, 1890 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa.

Heyl said he was bothered by reports that the ending has been leaked on the Internet, which author J.K. Rowling dubbed “misinformation” on her official website.

“It’s like standing in front of a movie theater and yelling the ending to all the people waiting in line,” he said. “It’s just rude.”

Scholastic is printing 12 million copies for the first run in the United States, more than any other in the series, Heyl said.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers will hold a Midnight Magic Party beginning at 8 p.m. at the Metro Pointe and Fashion Island locations.

The Newport Beach Public Library will have 32 copies of the Harry Potter finale as well as several audio versions available Saturday morning, though more than 100 people are on a reserve list.

“We have it under lock and key in the back of the library,” said Melissa Hartson, the collection development librarian.

Costa Mesa’s three public libraries will divvy up 30 copies of the 784-page book, and has set aside several books as rentals, which will be available for $1.50 a week beginning Saturday.

For more information on bookstore parties, go to www.bordersstores.com or www.bn.com .

For Costa Mesa library locations and hours, go to www.ocpl.org . For Newport Beach, visit www.newport-beach.ca.us/nbpl .