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Haley Murray

The sixth Harry Potter book has yet to hit the shelves, but it has already made history. Barnes & Noble, Inc. announced Monday that pre-orders for "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" had reached one million, making it the best selling pre-order book of all time.

The official release date for the book is July 16, though Barnes & Noble in Carbondale will begin selective sales at midnight July 15, according to a news release.

"The anticipation surrounding this new Harry Potter book has been unprecedented," store manager Jean Modglin said in the release. "In response to customer demand, we will stay open past midnight so Potter fans can be among the first to purchase a copy."

Numbered wristbands will be distributed July 16 starting at 6 p.m. Customers displaying the wristband will be able to purchase the books first. The store will also host a midnight magic party that offers face painting, wand making and a Harry/Hermione look-a-like contest.

Barnes & Noble's representatives declined interviews with the Daily Egyptian until after the release.

The University Bookstore, in the Student Center, and 710 Bookstore, at 710 S. Illinois Ave., have also ordered books and are offering pre-orders for fans.

"We've got a display's worth coming," textbook manager Tim Naumann said. "I ordered three myself."

University Bookstore, usually closed on Saturdays in the summer, will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for students who want to purchase the book.

"It'll be the first thing you'll see in the store," store manager Rip Scott said. 710 Bookstore ordered about 30 copies and will keep regular business hours this Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is the story of Harry Potter's sixth-year at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," Rowling's fifth Harry Potter book, was released June 21, 2003, and was the fastest selling book in history on the first weekend of its publication. All five Harry Potter books have been No. 1 bestsellers around the world.

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" and "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" are the first five books in the series.

John Zelten, a University Bookstore cashier who reserved two copies of the "Half-Blood Prince," said he expects the sixth book to be a little edgier than the previous five. "Harry will get stronger, and more people will die," he said.

Barbara Serapin, a graduate student in rehabilitation administration, reserved two copies of the book as well, one each for her son and nephew.

"Of course, I'll read it first," she said. "I stayed up until 9 in the morning reading the fifth book after going to the midnight release."

The book will retail for $17.99 at each store.