John Hurt visits library and reads “Harry Potter” to school children

UPDATE: In more John Hurt news, a brand new trailer has been released for the upcoming film Hercules, which is narrated by and also stars the actor. Check it out below.

The BAFTA-Award winning actor John Hurt, who played Garrick Ollivander in the Potter films, paid a visit to the Belfry Primary School in Overstrand this week, to mark the opening of their new library.

The library, which received sponsorship from local businesses, was built to inspire children to read more. Hurt marked the occasion by reading a passage from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, captivating the young listeners.

You can view two photos of his visit below.

Speaking after a tour of the new library, Hurt said he remembered reading German book Emil and the Detectives as a young child. He said,

I didn’t read enough as a child; I came to reading rather late in life and got interested in reading properly and extensively when I left school.

You have to think something as attractive as this library would encourage more children to read.

Some people flourish from what they read and literature, and other people flourish from their imaginations, but one thing is for certain: reading is a good thing, not a bad thing.

Library sponsor Mr. Hines said he was honored to have the library named after him. He said,

I was not a good reader, but I think if I had a library like this to go to I would have been more encouraged.

Even in a world with e-books there is something quite special about a book; it is more personal.

Headmaster Titus Cotton said it had been amazing to have Mr Hurt at the school.

We have worked really hard to turn this place around and make it a school to be proud of.

Having Mr. Hurt here was exceptional, and the children were captivated. He does so much for the community, and we are very grateful he did this for us.

You can check out a video of Hurt reading to the school children below.

Was Harry Potter ever read at your school? What do you think of John Hurt’s narration? Let us know in the comments.