Calling all Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs, and even Slytherins—it’s time for the Yule Ball.
Potterhead or not, all students from grades seven through twelve are invited, although not by owl, to the Sequoyah Regional Library System’s Yule Ball. It’s happening on Friday, December 1, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Woodstock Public Library branch on Main Street. For one night only, the Woodstock Public Library transforms into Hogwarts for a magical evening ball.
Teens, especially homeschoolers, are encouraged to register on the library website before Friday, November 24. The dress for the night is prom- and homecoming-appropriate attire, but Harry Potter robes, uniforms, hats, and wands are acceptable and encouraged. The Yule Ball festivities include dancing, food, crafts such as wand decorating, trivia, and photos, as well as meeting with other teens in the community.
“We wanted to give homeschoolers an opportunity they don’t normally get to be a part of a dance where they can have that fun night and be fancy,” says Jenny Brooks, the assistant programming manager at the library.
While homeschoolers are the focus, all middle and high schoolers are invited to register for the magical night. The event is organized and run entirely by teens through the library’s Teen Advisory Board [TAB], a group of teens under Jenny’s direction.
Through TAB teens connect with other teen leaders, select young adult books for the library, and volunteer for and organize library events. Applications begin in May and are open to all middle and high schoolers in any of the three counties in the Sequoyah region—Cherokee, Gilmer, and Pickens.
TAB also seeks ways to give back to the community. At the ball teens are invited to participate in Dobby’s Sock Drive—a donation for unworn socks, one of the most requested items in homeless shelters and charity organizations. A drop-off box will be available at the doors. The Yule Ball is a chance for wintry celebration and is also an opportunity to give back to the community.
The Yule Ball became an annual event in 2019 and as of this year is open to all three counties in the Sequoyah Regional Library System. In past years teen witches, wizards, and Muggles gathered to enjoy festive music, treats straight from the cauldron, and even a brief folk-dancing lesson. Like a public-school dance, the event is traditionally an elegant, classy event, yet it differs in that it also maintains a sense of whimsical wizarding fun.
Wave your wands, solemnly swear you’re up to no good, and watch as TAB casts a spell for a magical Yule Ball. Teens are guaranteed a night of wizarding fun and a chance to socialize with other teens in the community. To quote Ron Weasley, “When in doubt, go to the library.”
Register at SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org & follow TAB’s Instagram account (@sequoyah.tab) to keep up with new events and activities presented by the library’s Teen Advisory Board.
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Makenzie Bird is a Cherokee County resident and intern with Enjoy Cherokee. She is the editor of Cherokee High School’s student newspaper and a communications alumni of the Governor’s Honors Program. In the community, Makenzie is involved with youth leadership opportunities with the school board and the public library system.