"My favorite was the fifth book ('Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix') because it was cleverly written and it was very intense, so I can't wait to see what the outcome will be in the next book," said Ngo, a 17-year-old Saint Francis School student we reached at the Mililani Public Library, where she volunteers.

Evan Nagao, 9, is also getting a bit antsy.

"I'm very excited," said the giggly Hawai'i Kai boy, who called us on his mom's request. "I want to know what happens next."

Ngo and Nagao are among thousands of fans eagerly awaiting the release of the sixth book in J.K. Rowling's fantasy series scheduled to come out July 16 with a first printing of 10.8 million copies.

Barnes & Noble Inc. announced last week that pre-orders for the new Potter book have topped 750,000 copies nationwide, well ahead of the pace of the last Potter book, which came out two years ago, according to The Associated Press. At Amazon.com, more than 500,000 pre-orders have been taken.

While local Borders stores don't release pre-order numbers, Borders Waikele manager David Hull said: "They've certainly exceeded our expectations."

So how can you get in on the Harry Potter madness? Here are four library events:

• "Harry Potter Party" with a reading of a portion of the new book, crafts, games and prizes, 11:30 a.m. July 16, Edna Allyn Room for Children, state library; for 5 and older; guests are encouraged to come in costume; call seven to 10 days in advance if a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation is needed; free. 586-3510.

• "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" Summer Reading Program, with a performance by award-winning magician Kelvin Chun, 1 p.m. July 16, Mililani Public Library; call seven to 10 days in advance if a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation is needed; free. 627-7470.

• "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" Summer Reading Program, a reading of the first chapter of the new book, 3 p.m. July 16, Kailua Public Library; for ages 12 and older; guests are encouraged to come in costume; call seven to 10 days in advance if a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation is needed; free. 266-9911.

• Wizard's Chess Game and Quidditch for Muggles Match, sign up to play with giant chess pieces, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 17, followed by Quidditch matches for three age groups: juniors, ages 5-7, intermediate, ages 8-10, and seniors, 11 and older, 1 p.m., Kaimuki Public Library; call seven to 10 days in advance if a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation is needed; free. 733-8422.

More presale parties, extended bookstore hours and release celebrations for July 15 and 16 islandwide (in chronological order):

• Harry Potter Midnight Magic Party, with readings, games, face-painting and picture-taking with a Harry Potter cutout, 7 p.m. July 15, followed by the official release and sale of the book, midnight July 16; Barnes & Noble; free. 737-3323.

• Midnight Magic Party, with six activity stations and giveaways, 9 p.m. July 15, followed by the official release and sale of the book, midnight July 16, Borders, Waikele; free. 676-6699.

• Midnight Magic Party, with six activity stations and giveaways, 9 p.m. July 15, followed by the official release and sale of the book, midnight July 16 (tickets for line placement will be distributed 5 p.m. July 15), Borders, Ward Centre; free. 591-8995.

• Harry Potter Party, with crafts, games and prizes, 9 p.m. July 15, followed by the official release and sale of the book, midnight July 16, Borders Express at Windward Mall; the store reopens 8 a.m. July 16; free. 235-8044.

• Presale celebration, with coloring activities, Harry Potter fake tattoos for kids and refreshments, 11:30 p.m. July 15, followed by the official release and sale of the book, midnight July 16, Bestsellers, Koko Marina; free. 394-2378. Bestsellers stores at Koko Marina, Bishop Square (528-2378), Hilton Hawaiian Village (953-2378) and Honolulu International Airport (836-2378) open 8 a.m. July 16.

• Midnight sale, with light refreshments, midnight to 1 a.m. July 16, Bookends in Kailua; free. 261-1996.

• Midnight sale, midnight-2 a.m. July 16, Borders Express at Kahala Mall; the store reopens 6 a.m. July 16; free. 737-9550.

• Midnight sale, July 16, Borders Express at Pearlridge Center; the store reopens 6 a.m. July 16; free. 488-9488.

• Early opening, 6 a.m. July 16, Borders Express at Ala Moana Center; free. 942-1605.

• Early opening, 7 a.m. July 16, Borders Express at Mililani Town Center; free. 623-2138.

• Early opening, 7 a.m. July 16, Borders Express at Waikiki Shopping Plaza; free. 922-4154.