After inviting children to a galaxy far, far away last month, staff with the Dowagiac District Library invites teenagers to hop aboard the Hogwarts Express and experience the magic of one of the world’s most famous book series.

The library will host its first-ever “Harry Potter” day from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, in the youth section on the second floor. Aimed at teenagers, visitors will have a chance to participate in activities, create crafts and enjoy snacks and beverages based on J.K. Rowling’s best-selling books series, free of charge.

Kara Pauley, youth services coordinator with the Dowagiac library, came up with the idea of hosting a special day devoted to “Harry Potter” in order to celebrate the impending release of the movie adaptation of Rowling’s 2001 book “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” a side-story set in the series’ universe.

“I grew up with ‘Harry Potter,’” Pauley said. “It is a series that is near and dear to my heart. The books are still popular with teens today, and I think the new movie will renew that excitement about the franchise.”

Pauley and other library staff will “transfigure” the youth section for Friday’s event, including placing a curtain — decorated to resemble a brick wall — in front of the department’s entrance to replicate the experience of entering Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, like in the novels.

Several games and activities are planned for the event as well, including a game where participants can toss  bean bags through hoops hanging from the wall, designed to resemble quidditch, a sport the novels’ characters play throughout the series. Attendees can also make their own magic wands or decorative scarfs in the library’s craft area, Pauley said.

Teens will have a chance to earn points throughout the afternoon for one of the novels’ four student houses — Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin —which they will be sorted into when they arrive. Staff will reward participants in the house with the most amount of points with “Harry Potter” bookmarks, Pauley said.

The library will also raffle off copies of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”

Visitors will have a chance to enjoy some treats based on the books, including non-alcoholic “butterbeer” provided by Dowagiac’s The Baker’s Rhapsody, Pauley said.

“A lot of us [staff] are pretty excited about it,” Pauley said. “A few staff members who normally do not work Fridays have requested to help out, just to be a part of it.”

While the games and activities are aimed at teenagers, children and adults are also invited to participate Friday, Pauley said.

“People should come out just to see how the youth department will be transformed,” Pauley said. “I think it will be really cool. If you are a ‘Harry Potter’ fan, this is something you can do to celebrate your fandom close to home. Just come in after school and have fun.”