Don't expect your local librarians to whisper you the answer before the July 21 release of author J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. They've been sworn to secrecy.

"We've signed four agreements" promising to keep mum, Davis County Library Director Pete Giacoma told Davis County commissioners Tuesday. "We can't allow anyone to see, touch or handle the books except for those who have to get them ready."

Giacoma sought the commission's ratification of those agreements, which he said were even more stringent than with Harry's previous exploits.

"We'd better do it to avoid getting a spell cast on us," quipped Commissioner Bret Millburn.

So far, the Davis County Library has 500 holds for the book and 150 copies are on order, Giacoma said.

"As I recall, we get them a couple of days before the release date," he said.

During that time, library personnel must keep the hot commodity under wraps, handling the books only enough to add a bar code, spine label and appropriate stamp.

"Then we have to secure them again," Giacoma said. "We'll deliver the books to the branches the morning of the 21st."

As executive director, does he get any executive privilege?

"Even I don't get a sneak preview," he said. "Getting the books shelf-ready does not include browsing."

The Salt Lake City Library, which ordered 150 copies and has 246 holds so far, operates under a similar mandate.

"We can't release it from our technical-services department, we can't open the books up, and they have to remain boxed until midnight - the actual release moment," said Community Affairs Manager Colleen McLaughlin.

One lone cataloger will handle Salt Lake City's books in advance - but just to catalog, not to speed-read.

Salt Lake City also has ordered 30 copies on CD, and 12 on cassette tape. Those items also have holds.

The evening of July 20, McLaughlin expects thousands of Rowling fans to attend the library's Harry Potter party, which culminates with the celebratory checkout of the coveted books - but only after the clock strikes midnight.

"It's nice to see people so excited about the release of a book," McLaughlin said.

cmckitrick@sltrib.com