PLAINVILLE -- Continuing a tradition that started with a "Goblet of Fire," Ruth Whinnem, children’s librarian for the Plainville Public Library, will read aloud the newest Harry Potter novel Monday afternoons through the end of August.

A dedicated group of fans started what has become an oral tradition at the library with the fourth book in series, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," listening to the children’s librarian recite the tales of the young orphaned wizard.

From there, the group went back to read the other three books, as well as an Artemis Fowl novel, together in what Whinnem said is a unique experience.

Now the group is listening to "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," the fifth book of the series.

"It’s a different experience than reading alone; it’s wonderful," Whinnem said. "One of the boys in the group said, ‘At home, I read for the story; here we read for details.’"

"It is slower and you do pick up more details, background and description," she added.

Furthermore, Whinnem said, there’s nothing better at reinforcing the reading skills of young fantasy fans than reading along, picking out every word, while listening to someone tell you the story.

Although the core fans of the Harry Potter read-alongs tend to be boys, Whinnem does invite any girls who are interested in the tales to come and experience the stories.

"I think girls really like the stories, too," Whinnem said. "I don’t think there’s a divide by boys or girls. It’s universal. It’s very plain and simple; just come and read."

For girls who aren’t fans of the Harry Potter books, Whinnem said the library also plans a mother-daughter book club, which will have its first meeting Sept. 22 to read and discuss "Esperanza Rising" by Pam Munoz Ryan.

Though all are welcome to attend the readings, Whinnem said, the events were most appropriate for children in grades 3 and up.

"We read for a whole hour, so (someone) any younger may not want to sit there for that length of time," Whinnem said. "And, of course, as Harry gets older, the stories get darker."

In the fifth installment of the series, one of the characters in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" does die, though Whinnem won’t ruin the surprise for those who haven’t already torn through the book.

The readings take place Mondays at 4 p.m. in the children’s room of the Plainville Public Library.

For more information, call (860) 793-1450.

Brendan McKenna can be reached at bmckenna@new-britainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, ext. 227.

thanks to The Herald