VALDOSTA — Set for public release Friday at midnight, J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” with more than 672 pages, has a first printing of 10.8 million-an all time United States publishing record.

Books-A-Million stores will be hosting a “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” Celebration beginning at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 15, 2005. The celebration includes face painting, trivia contests, Harry Potter crafts, costume contests and a chance to win lots of prizes. The Books-A-Million Celebration counts down to the 12:01 a.m. release of the long awaited and greatly anticipated sixth book in the Harry Potter series. For customers who can’t stay awake until midnight, there will be another magical event, complete with contests and prizes at all Books-A-Million locations on Saturday, July 16, 2005 at 9 a.m.