J.K. Rowling Harvard Commencement Speech | Harvard University Commencement 2008

SPEAKER: Last summer, in a grand celebration of literature, Harvard Square and Harvard Yard, historically known as the place for hallowed halls filled with books, was transformed into Hogwarts Square.

[CHEERING] This summer festival celebrated the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the seventh and final installment in the wildly popular series.

Hordes of people, children and adults alike, dressed in elaborate wizard costumes, stood in line for hours at the Coop to purchase copies of the book.

Dozens of restaurants and stores stayed open late and posted Harry Potter-themed specials.

And a three-hour concert capped off the evening in a packed Tercentenary Theatre.

Today, Tercentenary Theatre is once again packed with children and adults.

And we are pleased to welcome one of the most successful authors of our time.

Her books have set sales records and have won many awards, probably because the Harry Potter stories provide a familiar backdrop for readers who can empathize with the young protagonist adrift in

a sometimes cruel and challenging world.

In addition to her vast contributions to literature, she is also noted for the social, moral, and political inspiration she has given her fans.