Exhibit Transforms Marshall Community Health Library into World That Inspired Harry Potter Series

June 28, 2017 — J. K. Rowling based her Harry Potter books on Renaissance traditions that contributed to the development of Western science. From July 10 to August 3, 2017, the Marshall Community Health Library presents a tour through these magical realms through a traveling exhibition displaying historical items and guest speakers. The event will be held at the Marshall Community Health Library, 3581 Palmer Drive, Suite 101, Cameron Park.

“Harry Potter’s World at the Marshall Community Health Library” explores how alchemy, astrology, and natural philosophy contributed to both our world and the world of history’s most popular book series (450 million copies sold worldwide).

The expo was developed and produced by the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. A series of guest speakers will greet visitors on July 11-12, when cake and giveaways will be available to visitors (in limited quantities). Visitors are encouraged to dress in Harry Potter character costume.

“Harry Potter is part of a fantasy world solidly grounded in history, medicine and magical lore,” Marshall Librarian Alison Clement, MLIS, AHIP, said. “J. K. Rowling did a huge amount of research and drew from important works in alchemy and early herbal medicine. Harry Potter fans will see that characters such as Nicholas Flamel were real figures in history.”

This year marks the 20th anniversary of both the first Harry Potter novel’s publishing and the Marshall Community Health Library’s opening. The library’s staff recruited special guests to educate and entertain.

On July 11 at 10 a.m., Sierra Wildlife Rescue arrives with their two Owl Ambassadors. Lionel, a great horned owl and Dusty, a northern pygmy, will honor their Owl Post cousins of Harry Potter fame.

Three guests appearing between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. will mark the July 12 festivities:

• Naturopathic physician Deborahe Prock will present examples of medicinal herbs. From her practice in Diamond Springs, the practitioner known better as “Dr. Deb” promotes healing through herbal medicine.
• Dan Willis will share his medicine-making secrets in a potions class. A former longtime employee of Grandpa’s Pharmacy in Placerville, Willis has earned local fame for his lively demonstrations of Gold Rush medicine techniques.
• David Long, PhD, will explain the importance of alchemy, philosophy, sacred geometry and how to align ourselves with the universe’s healthy forces. Dr. Long is Professor Emeritus of comparative philosophy at Sacramento State.

“The art of medicine is continually evolving,” Clement said. “This exhibit shows how medicine evolved from alchemy and magical thinking to science during the Renaissance era. Fans of Harry Potter or of medical and philosophical history will love the exhibit.”

Marshall is an independent nonprofit community healthcare provider located in the heart of Sierra Foothills. Marshall includes Marshall Hospital, a fully accredited acute care facility with 125 beds in Placerville; several outpatient facilities in Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills and Georgetown; and many community health and education programs. Marshall has over 200 physicians and 1,500 employees providing quality healthcare services to more than 180,000 residents of El Dorado County.