Hot off The Daily Prophet presses: J.K. Rowling has announced the launch of Harry Potter At Home, a new online hub designed to help children, parents, carers and teachers add a touch of magic to their daily lives while in lockdown due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
In a tweet on Wednesday, Rowling shared a link to a news post outlining the resources and activities that have been cumulated by the Wizarding World team in collaboration with their partners at Audible, Bloomsbury, OverDrive, Pottermore Publishing and Scholastic.
Parents, teachers and carers working to keep children amused and interested while we’re on lockdown might need a bit of magic, so I’m delighted to launch https://t.co/cPg0dZpexB pic.twitter.com/i0ZjTplVoU
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 1, 2020
Casting a Banishing Charm on boredom, these magic-makers are offering a range of exercises to fill out everyone’s timetable, with everything from special activity kits and magical craft videos to fun articles, quizzes, puzzles and much, much more.
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In addition, Audible and OverDrive are giving people unlimited access to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone for free throughout April. Audible’s new platform is adding the Stephen Fry edition of the audiobook to its library in six languages, while OverDrive is allowing members to borrow the book in more than 20 different languages up until April 30.
A statement on the site reads: “For over twenty years now, Hogwarts has been an escape for all – for readers and fans, young and old. During the strange times we now find ourselves in, we want to welcome you back to Hogwarts, where you will find a friendly retreat for you, your family and those you are caring for.”
The digital hub is now live with the tagline “Bringing Hogwarts to you” on the landing page.
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J.K. Rowling joins a host of other celebrities offering lighter entertainment options for those living in lockdown. John Krasinski just started up a new YouTube series “dedicated entirely to good news” while Seth MacFarlane recently launched a podcast hosted by Family Guy’s Stewie and Brian. Plus, Jodie Whittaker transformed into Doctor Who for an “emergency transmission” and Sir Patrick Stewart has been reading daily sonnets to his fans.
For a list of recommendations on how best to help, and stay safe, during the Coronavirus pandemic, please read our resource guide.
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Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.
Source: IGN.com JK Rowling Launches New Online Hub, Harry Potter At Home