In September 1998, Scholastic published Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, introducing U.S. readers to the orphaned boy living in a cupbord under the stairs. Since then, the Harry Potter series has become a global phenomenon, selling more than 500 million copies, translated into more than 80 languages, and adapted into eight blockbuster films.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary, we're hosting a series of special episodes. Over the next few weeks, we'll talk with some of the extraordinary illustrators behind the stories, as well as Scholastic employees who were with Harry from the very beginning.
But first, we're going to talk about the fandom. This week, you'll hear from fans themselves about what Harry Potter means to them. You'll also hear from two librarians who are bringing the books to new generations of readers every day.
Additional resources:
- Listen to part 2: The Artists of Harry Potter
- Listen to part 3: The Making of Harry Potter
- Watch our special video commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Harry Potter series in the U.S.
- Learn more about the 20th anniversary editions of the Harry Potter series with cover art by Brian Selznick
Guests:
- Eti Berland is a youth and teen services librarian at Lincolnwood Public Library in Illinois.
- Robin Brenner is the teen librarian at the Public Library of Brookline in Massachusetts.
Special thanks:
- Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl
- Sound mix and editing by Daniel Jordan and Christopher Johnson
- Produced by Emily Morrow
