April Program Guide
Duluth Public Library | April 2025 | volume I X
Event Information
For additional information and to register online: duluthlibrary.events.mylibrary.digital/
For questions and to register by phone:
Main Library programs: 218-730-4200
Mount Royal Branch programs: 218-730-4290
West Duluth Branch programs: 218-730-4280
Please note that all children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
For questions about accessibility, contact webmail@duluthmn.gov.
Free library programming made possible by:
All DPL Locations CLOSED:
Friday, April 25 • Staff Development Day
CALL FOR TINY ART!
Stop by any of the three library locations beginning April 1 to pick up a 4x4inch canvas. Then, return your tiny work of art to the library by Friday, May 2 to be included in our tiny art show! Art will be displayed at the library location where you dropped off your artwork. Participants are welcome to use their own art surface; just make sure to keep it 4x4 inches in size!
Tiny Art Drop-off: April 1—May 2
Tiny Art On Display: May 5—May 30
OUT AND ABOUT
Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club: Tender is the Flesh Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club meets monthly at Studio Café (102 W Superior St) to discuss compelling titles within this genre, which features very real, human stories. New members are always welcome! April’s selection is Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica. Humans have created a caste system within their society in order to survive via cannibalism. It is a dark, shocking look at how far humanity will go to ensure survival.
Thurs. April 10 6:00-7:30 pm
Studio Café
TIMBER! TALES
Timber! Tales with Susan Hawkinson • Teens and Adults
Hear raucous, entertaining lumberjack and settler stories from Hawkinson along with tales of the Joyce lumber baron family from her co-authored book, Timber Connections: The Joyce Lumber Story, a past Minnesota Book Award finalist. Hawikinson will be presenting at each library location. Sponsored by the Arrowhead Library System; funded in part or in whole by a grant from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Wed. April 2 1:00-2:00 pm Main Library—Green
Wed. April 2 6:00-7:00 pm Mount Royal—Blue Thurs. April 10 6:00-7:00 pm West Duluth—Evergreen
GROW YOUR OWN FOOD
Master Gardeners Series: Getting Started with Vegetables
Concerned about high grocery prices? Anyone can learn how to grow their own vegetables. Master Gardener Bailey Olson will teach tips and techniques for getting started. For adults. Register on library events calendar to receive Zoom link.
Thurs. April 3 6:00-7:00 pm Online
Worms, Greens, Soil, and Seeds • All Ages
Cut back on waste and supply your household with nutrient-dense microgreens all year long! Learn how vermicomposting (worm composting) and growing microgreens promote environmental literacy and save money. Ellen Sandbeck, artist and author of Laverme’s Handbook of Indoor Composting, will demonstrate how to get started. Participants will also learn a kid-friendly method for growing microgreens. For all ages and levels of expertise.
Sat. April 26 11:00 am-12:00 pm Green
EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY
Recycling 101 • All Ages
Celebrate Earth Day with the library! Recycling rules have changed over the years as technology and local services evolve. Learn about current guidelines to ensure your waste is recycled correctly with an expert from the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD). Tues. April 22 6:00-7:00 pm Green
FOR YOUTH
Builders Club • Grades K-5
Do you love to build stuff? Choose a design challege or freebuild on your own with Keva planks, K’nex, Squigz, cardboard construction tools and other household materials for building. Tues. April 1
4:00-6:00 pm Green
Wiggles for Littles • Birth-PreK
Storytime starts at 10:15 and wiggle time continues afterwards. There will be activities for running, skipping, throwing, hopping, rolling, climbing, crawling, and dancing.
Sat. April 12 10:15-11:30 am Green
Read to a Dog with Cruz! • Kids & Tweens
Read aloud to the goodest boy! Reading spots assigned, first-comefirst-served. Bring your own book or borrow one from the library!
Sat. April 12 2:00-3:00 pm Green
STEM Series: Coding with Ozobots • Grades 2-5
Learn about coding and design a robot race course with easy-touse, programmable, Ozobots. For kids in grades 2-5. Registration is required on the library events calendar.
Tues. April 15 4:30-5:30 pm Green
LEGO® Club • Grades K-5
For those who love to build, featuring classic LEGO® fun. Builders can take on a themed project or just free build, letting their imaginations guide their creations. Geared to kids ages 5 and up!
Tues. April 29 4:00-6:00 pm Green
STORYTIMES
Family Storytime & Play • Birth to Pre-K
Start the morning with stories, rhymes, songs, and movement geared to children ages birth to pre-K and their caregivers. Afterwards, continue learning through play that builds both large and fine motor skills and helps get those wiggles out.
Wednesdays 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. Stay afterwards for some early literacy playtime and socialization. Thursdays 10:15-10:45 am Gold
Storytime and Dragon Dance Performance • All Ages
All ages are welcome at this special storytime, featuring a dragon dance performance by Hmong-American, multimedia artist Alivia Lor. We will also read one of Kao Kalia Yang’s books for children. Sat. April 5
10:15-10:45 am Green
Anishinaabemowin Family Storytime • All Ages
Join us for storytime in Anishinaabemowin or Ojibwemowin—the Ojibwe language—led by Michelle Goose, language instructor at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College and member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Geared for kids, all are welcome! Sat. April 19 10:15-10:45 am Green
JUST FOR TWEENS & TEENS
BAM! • Grade 7
The Birkenstein Art Movement (BAM) for 7th graders is a project inspired by civil rights leader Jean Birkenstein. The goal is to use the creative process as a tool to support individualized learning. In this 8 class series, youth will learn leadership and problem solving skills while expanding their art abilities by working with a roster of talented local artists. Email jswitters@ duluthartinstitute.org with questions. Registration is required; learn more and register on the Duluth Art Institute website at duluthartinstitute.org.
Made possible by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.
Learn more and register!
Thursdays in April & May 5:00-7:00 pm Gold
In-Real-Life Among Us • Grades 6-12
Climb aboard the library spaceship to complete your tasks as a crewmember. How good are you at deception? Bring your friends to play and determine who is sus. Pizza and hats will be provided while we see how many games we can complete.
Tues. April 15 4:30-6:00 pm Gold
Teen Anime and Manga Club • Grades 6-12
Watch Anime, create, play games, and hang out with others who love Anime & Manga! Pizza served while it lasts.
Thurs. April 17 4:00-6:00 pm Green
Roast This Movie: The Mortal Instruments • Grades 6-12
Celebrate and roast a horribly awesome movie. April’s feature: The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013; PG-13; 130 minutes). Movie theater-style snacks will be served. For grades 6-12. Thurs. April 24 4:30-7:00 pm Green
FOR ADULTS
Tech Café • Adults
Stop by open hours for tech support with library staff. No appointment necessary; first come, first served. Sessions held in the Partnership Center, on the second floor of the Main Library. To make the most of your session, come prepared with the following:
• Fully charged device (if using your own)
• Passwords/logins you may need
• Library card
• A goal in mind/problem to tackle and a desire to learn! Wednesdays 2:00-4:00 pm Partnership Center
Play & Learn for Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care Providers
Are you caring for the children of a family member, friend, or neighbor? Join us for a fun-filled morning of reading, singing, and playing together with the little ones in your care. This month, caregivers will learn about enhancing outdoor playtime, with staff from Hartley Nature Center. All participants will receive free books, supplies, and snacks. Both caregivers and the children in their care are welcome!
Fri. April 4 10:00-11:30 am Gold
Baby Storytime • Birth to 24 months
A brief storytime, ideal for babies birth age to 24 months, followed by early literacy playtime and socialization. AM and PM sessions.
Tuesdays 10:15-10:45 am; 2:30-3:30 pm Blue
Mt. Royal Book Club: The Evening Hero by Marie Myung-Ok Lee
Discuss fiction and non-fiction! About the book: Dr. Yungman Kwak is in the twilight of his life; when all is thrown into chaos, he questions the very assumptions upon which his life is built—the so-called American Dream. New members welcome!
Wed. April 2
3:00-4:00 pm Blue
Timber! Tales with Susan Hawkinson • Grades 9+ & Adults
Please see full description on page 2 of this guide. Wed. April 2 6:00-7:00 pm Blue
Family Storytime • Birth to Kindergarten
Join us every Thursday for stories, songs, and fingerplays! These storytimes are for children birth to age 5 and their grown-ups.
Thursdays 10:15-10:45 am Blue
Twin Ports Genealogical Society (TPGS) Meeting • Adults
TPGS promotes interest in genealogy and gives support for individuals’ family research. Attend meetings in person or register on the library event calendar for Zoom link. Vickie Chupurdia will present on resources for family history research. Mon. April 7 6:00-7:30 pm Zoom/Blue
Craft Supply Drop-off + Exchange • All Ages
Clean out your craft supply stash, then pick up some new-to you, gently-used supplies. Donations are not required to attend but those who donate will gain early entry (2:00 pm) on exchange day.
Craft Supply Drop-off: Mon. April 7—Mon. April 21
Craft Supply Exchange: Mon. April 28 | 3:00-8:00 pm
Gardening for Pollinators • Adults
Join native plant consultant and pollinator promoter Amy Westbrook to learn about sourcing plants, working with amendments, and using native plants to protect biodiversity.
Tues. April 1 6:30-7:30 pm Evergreen
Family Storytime • Birth to Kindergarten
Join us for stories, songs, and fingerplays for children from birth to kindergarten and their caregivers.
Wednesdays 10:15-10:45 am Alcove
Baby Storytime • Birth to 24 months
A brief storytime, ideal for babies of birth age to 24 months, followed by early literacy playtime and socialization.
Fridays 2:30-3:00 pm Alcove
Timber! Tales with Susan Hawkinson • Grades 9+ & Adults
Please see full description on page 2 of this guide.
Thurs. April 10 6:00-7:00 pm Evergreen
Book Bingo: Star Wars Edition • All Ages
Join us for some family fun with Star Wars themed book bingo! Prizes at the door for showing up in Star Wars costume! All ages. Tues. April 15 6:00-7:00 pm Evergreen
Crafternoon • Pre-K to Grade 5
Join Mt. Royal staff for a variety of crafts. No experience necessary. Supplies are provided. Geared for Pre-K to Grade 5. Fri. April 11 3:00-4:00 pm Blue
Wiggles for Littles • Pre-K to Grade 5
Get those wiggles out with a storytime and open play. There will be activities to run, skip, throw, hop, roll, climb, and dance!
Mon. April 14 2:15-3:15 pm Blue
Read to a Dog with Dooley • Kids & Tweens
Read aloud to the goodest boy! 5-10 minute reading spots with gentle service dogs. Bring your own book or borrow one of ours!
Tues. April 15 3:00-4:00 pm Blue
Speak Up, Speak Out: Poetry as Activism with Jess Morgan
Jess Morgan is a writer, artist, organizer, and advocate committed to uplifting local artists and members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Jess will share how they use poetry to explore and find language for gender and the trans/gender-diverse experience. Ideal for writers, activists, educators, and those wanting to speak against injustice or share their story. For adults and teens in grades 6-12. Wed. April 16 3:00-4:00 pm Blue
Explore Vegan • Adults
Discover the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, including just how delicious vegan can be! Find support, resources, and inspiration for your own unique journey. Part of an ongoing series.
Fri. April 18 10:30 am-12:00 pm Blue
Builders Club • Grades 2-5
Calling all engineers and builders! Drop by to create using LEGO®, cardboard, and more. Best suited for grades 2-5.
Fri. April 18 3:00-4:30 pm Blue
Chess Club • All Ages
Players of all ages and experience levels are invited! Learn the basics of chess, then put your knowledge into action. Supplies provided but bring your own board if you like. Registration required!
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Thurs. April 17 5:00-7:00 pm Evergreen
West Duluth Book Club • Adults
All are welcome to discuss fiction and nonfiction! If you are interested in joining, just ask for future titles at the front desk. Fri. April 18 3:45-4:45 pm Evergreen
Read to a Dog! • Kids & Tweens
Read aloud to the goodest boy! 5-10 minute reading spots with gentle service dogs. Bring your own book or borrow one of ours! Mon. April 21 3:00-4:00 pm Evergreen
Itty Bitty Bakery • Ages 13 to Adult
Miniature food artist Betsy Cotone will share long-honed tricks in making doll food out of clay in 1/6th scale, which is Barbie-sized. Attendees will practice with their own mini cupcake. Due to skills needed, exclusively for adults and teens 13+. No registration. Thurs. April 24 4:30-5:30 pm Evergreen