Going Fast: 'Harry Potter' Tickets On Craigslist; Only Four Books Left at Library

It's official: Tickets for Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 are already being sold on Craigslist and at least one local cinema is offering a special package deal.

The debut of the final installment of the epic saga is a week away, but fans haven't gobbled up all the seats at theaters in the Chicago area as enthusiasm is expected to grow. Nearby at the Winnetka Public Library, readers are snatching up the magic fast.

While the movie is one week away from debut, it still hasn't sold out everywhere in the Chicago area.

Cinemas Near You

has sold only six tickets for its 12:01 a.m. showing on July 15 as of 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

On Friday, the theatre offered a . 

In Skokie, both and  report already having at least one sold-out showtime. Next week with the new release, both theaters are showing the prior Harry Potter movie at 9 p.m., then following that with a midnight screening of the latest—and final—installment as a $20 package.

"Last year, we had Potter fans camping out six hours before the showing," said an employee at the Old Orchard's AMC theater. "There was a group of them and they were reading Harry Potter books.

"It wouldn't surprise me if people got decked out in Harry Potter gear before the movie," the employee added.

Or on Craigslist

Meanwhile one Chicago Craigslist posting features a picture of a printed ticket from Fandango.com and asks potential buyers to "Send me your offer!"

Patch sent an email to the poster and asked how much he would take for the tickets.

"I figured like $20 each thanks," the seller replied via Blackberry. Compared to the average $9 ticket, that's more than a 100 percent markup.

Another Chicago Craigslist posting says: "Buy them now before it sells out." The ad also includes a link that takes buyers to Fandango.com. A third listing asks $60 for a pair of tickets. 

The epic saga of Harry Potter and Hogwarts has been a story that seems to always carry a magic pot of gold at the release of each movie. Hollywood studio Warner Bros. has grossed more than $6.4 billion through ticket sales, DVDs and merchandise.

The British author J.K. Rowling has also earned the title of the first billionaire author from her seven-book series. More than 400 million copies of her novels have been sold worldwide.

The latest movie premiered in London this week, where thousands of fans from around the world massed for the red carpet showing.

Piqued Interest at Home

Interest closer to home is high, too.

The Winnetka Public Library has seen a spike in Harry Potter consumption in recent days.

Public Relations and Marketing Specialist Erin Maassen said on Thursday afternoon that, of the 77 Harry Potter items, more than 86 percent are currently checked out. Usually the percentage hovers around 50 percent. 

"We have seen an up in HP demand," said Maassen in an e-mail to Patch. "In total, we have 29 copies of various Harry Potter books. Only 4 are currently on our shelves. We also have 16 copies of various HP audiobooks, and only 2 copies are on the shelf. As for movies, we have 16 movies, but only 5 are on the library shelves."

As of 12:00 p.m. July 7, the following shows are still available on July 15 for Harry Potter and The Deathly Hollows: Part 2.

The movie is set for release on Friday, July 15, with many theaters offering midnight screenings.

The following are opening weekend showtimes for Harry Potter and The Deathly Hollows: Part 2

Wilmette Theatre:

• July 15: 12:01 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• July 16: 2:30 p.m. , 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Kerasotes Theater in the Village Crossing:

• Regular Screening ($9): 12:01 a.m., 12:01 a.m. and 3 a.m.
• 3-D ($14): 12:01 a.m., 3 a.m.
• IMAX ($16): 12:01 a.m., 3 a.m.

Westfield Old Orchard AMC Cineplex:

• Regular Screening ($9): 12:01 a.m., 12:01 a.m. and 12:01 a.m.
• (Staff noted that a fourth screening is likely to be added.)