By the time you read this, the 16th annual Book Bonanza to benefit St. Joseph School will have come to a close. This is the biggest annual event held at the Fingerlakes Mall, and there are many people who make it successful.

Thanks to sponsors The Citizen: the Printery, Sign Guys and Appleton Disposal for their donation of services. Thanks also must go to Altier's Shoe Dept., Bath & Body Works, Aeropostale and Sears for their contributions of boxes, bags and carts to move the books.

Thanks to all who attended this year's Book Bonanza. It is always enjoyable to see the anticipation and excitement that builds in the weeks before the event, and to talk to people who are looking forward to attending it.

The biggest thanks are reserved for the thousands of people who donated their used books, audiobooks, videos, CDs, DVDs and more. Each year, we receive more books than the year before, all donated by community members. More than 60,000 items are brought to the mall to be sorted for the sale. It is an amazing sight to see all of the books lined up on tables in the food court before the sale.

Next year's sale is scheduled for July 12 and 13, 2008. When you finish reading all of the books you purchased at this year's sale, don't forget to donate them back for next year's; it's recycling at its best.

The next upcoming event at Fingerlakes Mall is also of the literary variety. If you haven't already heard, the seventh and final Harry Potter book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” is scheduled for release Saturday, July 21. Many parties and events are planned for that weekend, and Waldenbooks is hosting a free “Harry Potter Party” starting at 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 20, in front of the store.

Hundreds of people have already reserved their copy, and they will be able to purchase their copy at midnight. Anyone who has reserved a copy can visit the Waldenbooks store anytime after the store opens in the morning on July 20 to pick up a colored wristband reserving a place in line later that evening. When the line forms that night, people will be lined up by the color of their wristband, so the earlier you pick up your wristband, the better.

Among the activities planned for the evening of July 20 is a costume contest, with two winners each receiving a $10 gift card to Waldenbooks. A “Harry Potter Bee” will be held, with people answering questions about everything Harry Potter, and don't miss the fun of the “Great Snape Debate.”

Everyone who reserved a copy of “Harry Potter” will receive a free poster and a raffle ticket, with the winner of the raffle receiving the coveted grand prize of being first in line to purchase their “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” book at midnight. Contest winners will also get extra tickets for the raffle.

Children can look for the “Prize Patrol” out that evening, handing out treats and lots of free prizes to the many Muggles expected to be in attendance. Fun & Games is bringing some of its most popular video games to the area in front of Waldenbooks to add to the excitement.

There are also lots of other fun family activities scheduled that evening as well.

If you haven't reserved your copy of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” Waldenbooks may have extra copies on hand that evening available for purchase. At 11:45 p.m., store employees will line everyone up for the midnight release.

The last three Harry Potter parties have been a lot of fun, with a great family atmosphere and lots of free activities to keep children occupied, and this one promises to be the best one yet. For more information, call Waldenbooks at 255-1696.

Maurice's once again teams up with the American Cancer Society to raise funds for the charity. Customers can purchase a beautiful “Hope has a heart” bracelet for just $5, and $2.50 of that will go to benefit the American Cancer Society. The bracelet is lovely, silver in color with a turquoise colored ball and a silver heart outline. The offer is good while supplies last.

Sears has just finished a wonderful promotion, honoring those who have served our country in the military. “Homes for Heroes” teams up with Rebuilding Together to repair and build homes for service men and women serving our country. Customers were asked to donate $1, $5 or $10 to “Homes for Heroes.”

The money raised assists military families facing hardship. “Heroes at Home” assists the families of military personnel and veterans by providing critical repairs and renovations for their homes, such as modifications necessary for disabled veterans.

It's a great way to honor those who have bravely served our nation. For more information, visit www.sears.com and click on “Heroes at Home.”

Certified Boating Instructor Ralph Gray will conduct the N.Y. Safe Boating Safety Class at Bass Pro Shops July 28. The cost of the class is $35, and class size is limited. Register at Bass Pro Shops Customer Service counter or call the store at 258-2700.

Diane La Rue is a marketing consultant for Fingerlakes Mall.