When asked why they don't attend library programs, patrons cited a lack of interest, transportation challenges and parent/caregiver unavailability as reasons. To overcome these barriers, librarians developed a "semester" of programs designed to pique, build and sustain interest; changed the program date to Saturdays; and transformed the library into Hogwarts. All activities were derived from plot lines as participants recreated favorite scenes and characters.

The most significant factors in designing this program series involved listening to patrons who could articulate community needs and adapting library offerings to meet those needs. This process involved revising staffing patters to include more Saturday staff, creating large-scale programs that took advantage of non-traditional staff talents and using programming budget funds to create an authentic program experience.

Attendance at youth programs rarely exceeded 10 during the school year. During the first five weeks of this six week session (the final session will be held in June), 268 children attended "Semester at Hogwarts." Parents commented that other activities had to be rescheduled because kids insisted on attending each session. These programs made an underused library a destination place for kids who did not normally attend programs while introducing them to literature.