[HPFGU-OTChatter] Borders Potter Party-Do It Again?

[Sherry Gomes]

I went to a Borders too, in Redmond Washington.  it seemed to go pretty
smoothly.  i had called during the week to find out the plans, because i
have other disabilities, more than just my blindness, than cause me to
experience a lot of pain if I have to stand for too long.  They told me
there wouldn't be any standing in line, that they were giving away numbers
starting at 7, and then they'd take people in groups of 50.  So, I met my
friend there at 7 to get the number, go to dinner and just hang out till
midnight.  Well, there was a huge line to get the numbers!  Should have
thought of that, shouldn't I?  But we met a nice family in front of us in
the line, and I enjoyed chatting with the oldest daughter about the books
and her hopes and feelings about HBP.  they told us when to move forward and
made sure we were following everyone.  I was number 64.

i spoke to the managers, because they had said the routine would be that
people would line up by number at 11:30.  I knew that if I had to stand in
line that long, I wouldn't be able to walk for days.  i explained about my
problem, saying I didn't want special treatment, but could I sit somewhere
till my number's turn to buy the book.  They said they'd take care of it, to
come back closer to time, and not to worry.  

My friend and I went to dinner, then returned, got something in the cafe and
waited outside on a bench, right by where the line would form.  A nice
Borders employee came and checked on us, from time to time, saying they had
everything planned.  our friends from the number line came back.

at last, the countdown arrived.  everyone was so excited.  It was so fun to
be a part of it, listening to the enthusiasm of the crowds.  They had
numbers 1 through 20 go first, the 30 to 50.  Somewhere in there, an
employee came and said he could assist me in getting my book.  I explained
that it wasn't my turn yet, but he said it was ok.  Nobody in line seemed
angry that we got to go ahead, and it was close to time for my group.  i was
glad for the assistance, because it was total mayhem in the store!  we had
to go to one spot to get the book, then weave through people, displays,
counters, books and everything else to get to a cashier.  But I had my book
and was leaving the store by about 12:20 or so.  

and I think that reading the audio version takes longer, because you have to
go at the rate of the narrator, but even so, we finished yesterday
afternoon.  Of course, I have come back home and immediately started over!
Trying to pick up things I may have missed, look for clues and all the rest.

overall, my Borders experience was great!  The staff at our local store was
courteous, professional and well organized.  I would definitely do it again,
next time.

sherry