Blog Post # 5

I found this article because of the title Harry Potter gets a bootleg makeover
I'm a very big fan of Harry Potter so I thought I would read it and see what had happened to my favorite wizard. An American designer posted new covers for the Harry Potter Books for adults who wanted a more grown up cover. The writer of the article was not allowed to show the link to the covers. According to to the writer they were great covers featuring penguins and only subtle hints about the book's title such as a snake coiling around a sword.

I understand why these covers cannot be shown- although I am a little sad because I'm really interested now! It got me thinking about patrons who like children / young adult books but are shy to check them out because of the covers/ implications that go along with the books. Other adult covers have been made and sold for Harry Potter in the UK. I remember buying one with just a simple picture of train when I studied abroad. I also remember reading about how well they sold and how often the more adult covers were read on public transportation.

Is this something that would be beneficial to libraries? I love children and YA books and have no trouble checking them out and reading them around others. What about other patrons who may have a lower reading level or would be drawn to the books with a more adult cover? Would a new cover attract more readers and patrons or should they just man up and admit children and YA books are ok with them?