Duluth Public Library December 2023 Program Guide by Duluth Public Library

December Program Guide Duluth Public Library | December 2023 | volume VII issue X

There’s Winter Fun for EVERYONE at Duluth Public Library!

520 W. Superior Street 218.730.4200 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

10:00 am - 5:00 pm 10:00 am - 8:00 pm 10:00 am - 5:00 pm 10:00 am - 8:00 pm 10:00 am - 5:00 pm 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

105 Mt. Royal Shopping Circle 218.730.4290 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

10:00 am - 8:00 pm 10:00 am - 5:00 pm 10:00 am - 8:00 pm 10:00 am - 5:00 pm 10:00 am - 5:00 pm CLOSED

5830 Grand Avenue 218.730.4280 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

10:00 am - 5:00 pm 10:00 am - 8:00 pm 10:00 am - 5:00 pm 10:00 am - 8:00 pm 10:00 am - 5:00 pm CLOSED

Event Information

Adults

For additional information and to register online: www.duluthlibrary.org/programs-events For questions and to register by phone: Main Library events: 218.730.4200 Mount Royal Branch events: 218.730.4290 West Duluth Branch events: 218.730.4280

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Please note that all children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. For questions about accessibility, contact webmail@duluthmn.gov Photos may be taken for promotional purposes at library events. If you do not wish to be photographed, please talk to library staff.

All DPL locations will be closed on these dates: Christmas • Monday, December 25 Christmas • Tuesday, December 26 New Years Day • Monday, January 1 MLK Day • Monday, January 15

Free library programming made possible by:

Scan the QR code to register for library programs!

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A Holiday Hotdish Murder Mystery • Adults Help! There’s been a murder! The victim is Samantha Jingle, famous for her holiday hotdish and love of bird sweaters. Jingle was found in her home on Clause Way, right here in Duluth, with a burning hotdish in the oven. The suspects have been assembled—it’s up to you to solve the mystery and identify the guilty party. Visit the DIY ugly sweater-making station or take a last-minute holiday photo in our Awkward Family Photo booth. Johnny B’s food truck will be on site with food for purchase. This event is presented in partnership with The St. Louis County Depot and will be held at The Depot (506 W. Michigan Street). Registration is required to reserve your team’s spot. Two start times available for teams of 2 to 7 players. Register on the library calendar at duluthlibrary.org. Sat. December 9 5:30-7:30 pm/7:30-9:30pm Offsite Author Visit: Murder at MN Point • Adults Author Jeff Sauve will discuss his book Murder at Minnesota Point. Learn about the twisted, true story of a young, unidentified woman found slain on the sandy shores of Minnesota Point in Duluth and billed the crime of the century when it took place in 1894. Jeff will answer questions and speak about his exhaustive 10-year research into the life of the perpetrator. Meet in the Green Room at the Main Library. Thurs. December 7 6:00-7:00 pm Green Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club • Adults It’s the most wonderful time of the year, Hogswatchnight, when the Hogfather himself dons his red suit and climbs in his sleigh pulled by eight hogs, to shower gifts across Discworld. But when the Hogfather goes missing, someone must sit in. If you haven’t tried Science Fiction or Fantasy now is the time! Meet in the Local History Center on the second floor of the Main Library. Tues. December 19 6:00-7:00 pm LHC NEXT MONTH: Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club • Adults January’s Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club gathering is a special one! We will meet at The Lock Café (318 N 18th Ave E.) to discuss Hail Mary by Andy Weir, a gripping tale of one man’s last ditch attempt to save planet Earth and its inhabitants. Thurs. January 18 6:00-7:00 pm Offsite

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All Ages Fun

Kids, Tweens, Teens

Winter Reading Program • All Ages Readers of all ages, it’s time to get cozy and read. Log reading minutes and get the chance to win prizes. Details on how to sign up can be found at duluthlibrary.org—or stop by! Friday December 1 - Wednesday January 31

Gingerbread House STEAM Challenge • K-5 Come test your building skills at our Gingerbread House STEAM challenge. As part of the challenge, each house must contain a few key elements. From there, get as creative with your design as you like to bulid fun, tasty, and strong gingerbread houses with us! Tues. December 5 4:30-5:30 pm Green

Jolabokaflod • All Ages Celebrate winter reading and the gifting season with Jolabokaflod at the library! Cozy up with a book in our quiet community reading space in the Gold Room and stop by the Green Room for seasonal crafts suitable for any age. Hot cocoa and coffee will be available. Free booklights will be given out to program participants while supplies last. Sat. December 2 10:00 am-4:30 pm Gold/Green

Kids’ Construction Series • Kids & Tweens Do you love to build stuff? In the first session of this monthly series we will build with LEGOs. Take on a LEGO Challenge or let your imagination guide your creations! In the second session, we will create with LEGOs and beyond, including KEVA Planks, K’nex, Squigz, straw construction toys, popsicle sticks and more!

Nordic Cultural Traditions Presentation • All Ages Share traditional and seasonal songs in the Green Room, along with a special cultural presentation by Nordic Center Duluth. Learn more about the Nordic Center at NordicCenterDuluth.org. Sat. December 2 11:00 am-12:00 pm

Young Children & Families

Family Story and Playtime • Birth to Kindergarten Start the morning with a storytime geared for kids ages birth to preschool in the Gold Room from 10:15-10:45. You and your children will have fun while building essential early literacy skills through stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Afterwards, head to the Green Room for open play (until 11:30 am) that builds both large and fine motor skills and helps get those winter wiggles out. Every Wednesday 10:15-11:30 am Gold/Green

Baby Storytime • Birth to 24 Months Join us for a brief storytime ideal for babies birth-24 months. Then stay for some early literacy playtime and socialization. Every Thursday 10:15-10:45 am Gold

Wiggles for Littles: Story and Playtime • Birth to Kindergarten Come for storytime at 10:15 in the Gold Room and stay for open playtime from 10:45 to noon in the Green Room. There will be activities for ALL kinds of movement– running, skipping, throwing, climbing, crawling, and dancing, to name a few! Sat. December 9 10:15am-12:00 pm GoldGreen Sat. January 13 10:15am-12:00 pm Gold/Green

Noon Years Eve • Preschool to Early Elementary-aged Kids want to party like it’s 2024 too! Kids 2nd grade and younger are invited to celebrate the coming New Year at noon instead of midnight! Drop in anytime for a dance party, crafts, bubbles, and a noon countdown to a shower of balloons. Sat. December 30 11:00 am-12:30 pm Green

LEGO CLUB Thurs. December 7 Thurs. January 4

4:00-6:00 pm 4:00-6:00 pm

Gold Green

BUILDER’S CLUB Thurs. December 28 Wed. January 17

3:00-5:00 pm 3:00-5:00 pm

Green Green

Movie and Storytime: The Polar Express • Kids, Tweens, Teens Welcome aboard The Polar Express! Get in the spirit with a nice cup of hot cocoa and a reading of The Polar Express book. Afterwards, we will get cozy and watch The Polar Express movie (Rated G, 100 minutes, 2004) on the bigscreen. Attendees are encouraged to wear their comfiest PJs. When the event is over, you just might receive your own “First Gift of Christmas.” Please register on the library events calendar! Sat. December 9 1:00-3:00 pm Green

Just for Teens Gaming in the Teen Space • Grades 6-12 Tweens and teens in grades 6-12 are invited to a gaming night in the Teen Space on the Superior Street level! We will have the Nintendo Switch, board games, and more available for you to use. Snacks served while they last. Tues. December 5 4:00-7:00 pm Teen Space Teen Anime and Manga Club • Grades 6-12 Watch anime, create, play games, and hang out with others who love anime and manga! Pizza will be served while it lasts. Exclusively for teens in grades 6–12. Thurs. December 21 4:00-6:00 pm Green Thurs. January 18 4:00-6:00 pm Green

Baby Storytime • Birth to 24 months Join us for a brief storytime ideal for babies 0-24 months, then stay for some early literacy playtime and socialization. Every Tuesday 10:15-10:45 am Blue

Baby Storytime • Birth to 24 months Join us for a brief storytime ideal for babies 0-24 months, then stay for some early literacy playtime and socialization. Every Tuesday 10:15-10:45 am Alcove

Family Storytime • Birth to Kindergarten Join us every Thursday for stories, songs, and fingerplays! These 30-minute storytimes are for children birth to kindergarten and their grown-ups. Every Thursday 10:15-10:45 am Blue

Family Storytime • Birth to Kindergarten Join us each Wednesday morning for stories, songs, and fingerplays for children from birth to kindergarten and their grown-ups. Every Wednesday 10:15-10:45 am Alcove

Book Bingo • All Ages Get ready to play! Cover that free space and enjoy some book bingo. If you call bingo, you bring home a book. All ages welcome. Tues. December 5 3:00-4:00 pm

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Mt. Royal Book Club: The House in the Cerulean Sea • Adults Meet at Mount Royal to discuss fiction and non-fiction titles! December’s title is The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune. Meet Linus Baker, who leads a quiet, solitary life. As a case worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages. On one particular assignment, Linus finds himself questioning everything he believes. January’s title is Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley. New members are always welcome! Wed. December 7 3:00-4:00 pm Blue Wed. January 3 3:00-4:00 pm Blue Crafternoon • PreK to Grade 5 Get crafty at the Mount Royal Branch! Projects change from month to month. No experience necessary and all supplies are provided! Best suited for kids aged Pre-K to grade 5. Fri. December 15 3:00-4:00 pm Blue Lake Superior Zoomobile: Animal Heroes • Ages 5-11 Sometimes animals need our help. Do you have what it takes to be an animal hero? We will learn about the impact people can have on the lives and habitats of animal species and how people can help. Suitable for ages 5-11. Two time slots. Registration required. Wed. December 27 3:00-3:30 pm Wed. December 27 3:30-4:00 pm

Duluth Public Library is a tax-supported service of the City of Duluth

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Coast Guard Storytime • Tweens and Teens Come meet your local Coast Guardsmen at this special storytime and learn about what they do. Our lakefaring guests will read stories, answer questions, and show off some of the gear they use to keep people safe. No registration needed. Wed. December 6 10:15-10:45 am Evergreen Slow Sewing with English Paper Piecing • Teens and Adults English Paper Piecing (EPP) is a method of hand sewing that was developed in the 1770s and remains popular to this day! We will be trying this technique and making a mat or coaster to take home. All fabric and notions are provided, but if you would like to bring your own, the project calls for two fat quarters of different fabric. Registration is required to reserve your spot and materials! Thurs. December 14 4:00-7:30 pm Evergreen Book Bingo • All Ages Join us for some family fun! Win books just by playing! All ages are welcome. No registration. Meet in the Evergreen Senior Center. Tues. December 19 6:00-7:00 pm New Year’s Storytime-Party • Birth to Kindergarten Celebrate the start of 2024 early with a special storytime-party! We will read stories about ringing in the new year, sing a few songs, and end with a balloon drop. Wear your best party clothes and come dance the morning away! Wed. December 27 10:15-10:45 am Alcove Chess Club • All Ages Players of all ages and experience levels are invited! The first hour will be spent learning the basics and strategies to win. The second hour will be open play, so you can test the moves out. Supplies provided. Bring your own board if you like! Registration required. Thurs. December 28 5:00-7:00 pm Evergreen