Posted on April 6, 2007.

Harry Potter Publisher Lays Down the Law for Libraries

Harry Potter publisher Scholastic Inc. has imposed strict rules on libraries that receive the final book in the series before its July 21 release date. The contract requires libraries to limit the number of staffers who handle the copies of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows before its official release and to provide names and contact information for each branch manager, the Associated Press reported April 5.

The contract says libraries that fail to comply may be denied future embargoed titles. “We acknowledge and agree that any such violation will cause irreparable harm to Scholastic and the author, J. K. Rowling, and that monetary damages will be inadequate to compensate for violations,” it states.

Pete Giacoma, director of the Davis County (Utah) Library, said in the April 5 Salt Lake City Deseret News that while he takes the contract seriously, it may also be part of Scholastics’ “brilliant” marketing tactics. “It adds to the mystique,” he observed.

The seven-branch system has already ordered 150 copies and may order up to 250, said Giacoma. Once the library receives them, they will be locked away until early July 21, when the library’s driver will make an early run to deliver them to each branch. Already 500 patrons have requested holds for the title.

Posted on April 6, 2007.