Harry Potter at UBC Library
Since its first publication in the U.K. in 1997, the Harry Potter series has garnered international acclaim, and is arguably the most popular children’s literature series in several generations, having joined the ranks of other famous titles such as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. In 2015, UBC Library’s Rare Books and Special Collections began acquiring complete sets of first editions of the Harry Potter series. Collecting and preserving copies of the Harry Potter books ensures that scarce first and special editions of these titles will be available to Canadians for generations to come.
A new exhibit at Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
In tandem with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s screening and performance of Harry Potter and the Chamber of SecretsTM, Rare Books and Special Collections is exhibiting some of the unique and remarkable Harry Potter books in its collection. This exhibit is the second of its kind, the first took place in 2016 in tandem with VSO’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s StoneTM. Unique to the exhibit in 2017 is the addition of several antiquarian books from UBC Library’s William C. Gibson History of Medicine and Science Collection. These titles feature beautiful wood block and etching prints of magical creatures including unicorns, dragons and basilisks—providing insight into the types of fascinating source materials author J.K. Rowling may have used to create her magical universe.
Depictions of dragons in UBC Library’s William C. Gibson History of Medicine and Science Collection
Depictions of unicorns in UBC Library’s William C. Gibson History of Medicine and Science Collection
Explore Harry Potter at UBC Library
VSO event details
Attend a tour of Rare Books and Special Collections
Join a weekly tour of the Rare Books and Special Collections department every Wednesday from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Experience an introduction to our space and our unique materials and collections, including items from the Harry Potter collection. Tours are free and open to the general public.