Save your pennies

A rare set of the Harry Potter book series, signed by J.K. Rowling, is to be auctioned off for charity.

They will be auctioned off on eBay in aid of local charity Books Abroad which supplies books to children in 80 countries worldwide.

The Potter books are expected to raise at least £20,000.

Also, the release dates for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix have been confirmed as November 12 in the UK and December 11 in the United States (no word official word on Canada yet).

Movie news: Potter, Trek, Narnia, rumors

Jim Broadbent reveals that he’ll play Professor Slughorn in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. He’s everywhere! (He also talks about his Indiana Jones role at the link.) In other casting news, looks like Zoe Saldana will be playing Uhura in JJ Abrams’ Star Trek.

In other news…

Rumor mill


Do you feel lucky, punk?

Scholastic has finally kicked off their sweepstakes to distribute tickets to J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows reading at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The date for the event is Friday, October 19.

Rowling will be doing a total of four readings on her U.S. tour, but the Carnegie Hall gig is the only one that adults have a shot of attending.

Contest rules also state that if you win, you must bring Yav with you.