August Program Guide Duluth Public Library | August 2025 | volume x issue vII
If the music of City Sounds makes you want to get up and move, there's plenty of room to dance!
Drag Queen Storytime
City Sounds: Live Music on the Library Plaza Seating is provided but attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs. For all ages. The music plays on, rain or shine!
August 7 5:30-7 pm
August 14 5:30-7 pm
August 21 5:30-7 pm
Owls Club Big Band
Big Time Jazz Orchestra
Blue Water Big Band
Look for Pride craft programs and Drag Queen Storytime inside
See you at Duluth-Superior Pride!
Saturday, August 30
Bayfront Festival Park
Storytimes
Event Information Register online at duluthlibrary.org > Events Or, scan the QR code:
For questions and to register by phone: Main Library: 218-730-4200 Mount Royal Branch: 218-730-4290 West Duluth Branch: 218-730-4280 Please note that kids age 7 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. DPL is working to make our programs accessible to all. Please email us at webmail@duluthmn.gov to let us know how library staff can support you to participate fully and comfortably. Free library programming is made possible by:
Family Storytime and Art • Birth to PreK + Caregivers
Start the morning with stories, rhymes, songs, and movement. Afterwards, continue learning through art activities that build fine motor skills, coordination, creativity and more! Family Storytime we will be on break beginning Wednesday, August 20, then move to MONDAYS, beginning Monday, 9/8. Same time/location.
Wed. August 6 & 13 Storytime: 10:15-10:45 am
Gold/Green Art: 10:45-11:15 am
Baby Storytime • Birth to 24 Months
Join us for a brief storytime, then stay for early literacy playtime and socialization. For babies birth-24 months and their caregivers. Please note: Baby Storytime will take a short break beginning Thursday, August 21; to resume Thursday 9/11. Same time/location.
Thursdays
10:15-10:45 am
Gold
Drag Queen Storytime • Kids + Caregivers/All Ages
Celebrate self-expression, dress up, and gender through stories, rhymes, and music with a drag performer from Zenith City Horror, a local queer entertainment company specializing in drag shows, theatrical performances, and other events that support and inspire all the weirdos in our community. This will be a safe, positive, and encouraging space. Presented as part of Duluth-Superior Pride Festival 2025. Geared to kids and their caregivers; all are welcome! Fri. August 29 10:15-10:45 am Green
Musical Story Hour • Birth to 5 Years + Caregivers
Ready, Set, Grow! Read, Talk, Write, Sing, & Play Together The Every Child Ready Duluth Coalition is bringing early childhood learning to spots around the community! Play and learn with your little ones, meet other families, and connect with resources. Light snacks provided. Activities are geared to ages five and younger but the whole family is welcome. Sessions run 4:30-6:00 p.m. Drop in any time.
August 20 • Write Together Playground for Every BODY 242-298 Pionk Drive, Proctor, MN 55810 September 17 • Sing Together Lincoln Park Lincoln Park Drive, Duluth, MN 55806
Enjoy storytime with Music Together® in the Valley and build early learning skills through music, movement, and play.
Wed. Aug. 6 Thurs. Aug. 7 Fri. Aug. 8
10:15-11:00 am 10:15-11:00 am 10:15-11:00 am
West Duluth Mt. Royal Main Library
STORY AND PLAY AT THE PARK
Join us for stories and youth-focused recreation activities with Duluth Parks & Rec! Storytimes introduce kids to books, rhymes, music, and other early literacy activities. Geared to kids birth-5 and caregivers; all ages welcome!
Storytime: 9:30-10:00 am Playtime: 10:00-11:30 am
*Sat. Aug 2 — Portman Park • 4601 McCulloch St * Mon. Aug 4 — Enger Park • 1601 Enger Tower Dr *ASL interpretation will be provided at storytime. Storytime on the SS William A. Irvin Climb aboard the historic freighter for stories, songs, and rhymes on the top deck at 9:30. Afterwards, there will be time for families to explore the ship. For kids pre-K to grade 3 and their caregivers. Registration is required on the library event calendar. Free parking for attendees—details at duluthlibrary.org. Wed. Aug. 20 9:30-10:30 am Offsite
FOR KIDS
FOR TWEENS & TEENS
Have fun and stay inspired in your summer art routine with new projects every week at Maker Mondays. Things might get messy, so wear clothes that can get dirty. Drop by; no registration required. Mondays, June 23-August 4 1:00-3:00 pm Green
Watch anime, create, play games, and hang out with others who love anime and manga! Pizza is served while it lasts.
Maker Mondays • Grades K-6
Family Yoga • Pre-K to Grade 2 + Caregivers
Kids and their caregivers are invited to explore movement, breathing, and mindfulness together through accessible, kidfriendly yoga with Karen Sheldon. Caregivers should plan to participate with their kids. No experience or registration is needed. Mats provided; bring your own from home if you like!
Wed.
Aug. 6
3:00-4:00 pm
Green
Teen Anime and Manga Club • Grade 6-12 Thurs. August 21
4:00-6:00 pm
Green
VARIOUS AGES & INTERESTS Puzzle and Game Swap • All Ages
Bring your board games and puzzles to swap for new-to-you items. Donations of games and puzzles for all ages are welcome. Please make sure donated items are in good shape and that puzzles have their pieces! All ages welcome to play and puzzle.
Tues. August 5
5:00-7:30 pm
Plaza
Kid Stuff: Dinosaurs with the Science Museum • Grades K-3 Find out what fossils teach us about dinosaurs with the Science Museum of Minnesota! Children and families will learn how scientists compare the physical features left behind by dinosaurs in fossils to animals we know today. For grades K-3 and caregivers. Thurs. Aug. 7 1:30-2:30 pm Green
Understanding Our MN Bears with Donna “Grizz” Andrews
Summer Movies at the Library • Grades K-5
Thurs. August 14
Kick back and enjoy a movie at the library! There will be themed crafts at each session to try. No registration needed.
Fri. August 8 2:00-4:00 pm Green Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs; PG; 89 min.; 2009 Fri. August 29 2:00-4:30 pm Green The Mitchells vs. the Machines; PG; 114 min.; 2021 Read to a Dog with Cruz! • Grades K-8
Practice reading aloud with therapy dogs who love stories! Sign up for a 5-10-minute reading slot when you arrive. Bring your own book or borrow one from the library. For grades K-8. Thurs. August 14 3:00-4:00 pm Gold Let’s dig into the world of Cryptozoology. Have you seen Bigfoot? Do you think there is scientific evidence of Nessie? In this hands-on STEM program, we will learn about cryptid folklore and create dioramas of their environments. Registration is required. For grades 2-5.
4:30-5:30 pm
1:00-2:30 pm
Green
Plant Swap • All Ages
Every plant needs a buddy, and that’s what we’re here for. Bring in a cutting of one of your plants and swap it out for a new friend!
Thurs. August 14
4:30-7:00 pm
Michigan St. Entry
Choose Your Own Adventure Quest • Ages 8 and Up
It’s a cross between an escape room, a LARPing adventure, and a fantasy quest! Bring your family or group to the library and choose your own adventure. Various times available; registration is required to reserve your time slot. Geared to ages 8 and older.
Tues. August 19
various times
Plaza
Pride Garland • Adults & Teens, Ages 14 and Up
STEM for Kids Series: Cryptid Science • Grades 2-5
Thurs. August 14
With photos, videos, and stories, Donna “Grizz” Andrews will share all about the bears of Minnesota in a presentation that is suitable for all ages. Learn how to safely coexist alongside our bear neighbors with tips for interpreting bear behavior and using deterrents that keep everyone safe. Andrews is a long-time bear advocate, guide, advisor, and presenter. Come prepared to see bears in a new light!
Green
Kid Stuff: Will Sings Songs • Pre-K to Grade 5
Celebrate Pride and learn the art of needle felting in this fun and inclusive workshop. We will craft colorful garlands from wool, sculpting them with needles. Registration is required. Due to skills and equipment, participants must be 14 and up. Tues. August 26 5:30-7:30 pm Green
FOR ADULTS
Driven by audience participation, Will’s songs are guaranteed to get kids moving, grooving, laughing, and singing. A naturalist by trade, many tunes are environmentally themed, but many are just plain fun! This high energy performance focuses on joy and learning through curiosity. Made possible by ALS and ACHF. Mon. August 18 1:00-1:40 pm Plaza
Adventure Book Club: Crow Talk
Builders Club • Grades K-7
Meet to discuss compelling Sci-Fi & Fantasy titles. For August: Leviathan Wakes by James Corey at Duluth’s Best Bread, 120 E Superior Street. New members welcome at this monthly book club.
Do you love to build stuff? Try various building challenges or free build and let your imagination guide your creations. Tues. August 19 4:00-6:00 pm Green
Talk books, then head out on a gentle hike led by Parks & Rec. For August, we will discuss Crow Talk by Eileen Garvin at Brighton Beach Park. Registration is required at duluthmn.gov/parks.
Fri.
August 8
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Offsite
Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club: Leviathan Wakes
Tues. August 12
6:00-7:30 pm
Offsite
Crafternoon • Pre-K to Grade 5 Baby Storytime • Birth to 24 months
Join us for a brief storytime, ideal for babies birth age to 24 months, followed by early literacy playtime and socialization. On break beginning 8/19. Back in September. Tuesdays 10:15-10:45 am 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. On break beginning 8/21. Back in September. Thursdays 10:15-10:45 am Blue
Kid Stuff: Will Sings Songs • 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. August 8 2:00-3:00 pm Blue
Bedazzled Books • Adults & Teens Ages 13+
Decorate your favorite book with glittering gems! All decorating supplies provided. Bring your own book. Registration required. Wed. August 13 6:00-7:30 pm Blue
Explore Vegan • Adults
Find support, resources, and inspiration for your own unique journey to explore a plant-based lifestyle. No registration. Fri. August 15 10:30 am-12:00 pm Blue
Driven by audience participation, Will’s songs are guaranteed to get kids moving, grooving, laughing, and singing. This high energy performance focuses on positivity, joy, and learning through curiosity. Made possible by ALS and ACHF. Mon. August 4 1:00-1:40 pm Blue
String Spinners • Grades 2-5
Mt. Royal Book Club: The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
Oh no! The prize winning pig has gone missing from the Mt. Royal County Fair. Solve the puzzles in this escape room to find the pig before the award ceremony. Various time slots available—visit the calendar at duluthlibrary.org to reserve! Mon. Aug. 18-Fri. Aug. 22 various times Blue
Meet monthly to discuss a variety of fiction and nonfiction—new members are always welcome! August’s pick is a murder mystery with many layers: The Villa by Rachel Hawkins. Wed. August 6 3:00-4:00 pm Blue
Drop by and create your own spinning toy with cardboard and yarn. Supplies are provided; no registration needed. Fri. August 15 3:00-4:00 pm Blue
Escape the County Fair • All Ages
Dungeons & Dragons for Teens • Grades 6-12
Meet monthly for guided D&D campaigns at Mount Royal! Registration is required. Just for teens in grades 6-12. Wed. August 20 4:00-6:00 pm
Family Storytime • Birth to Kindergarten
Join us for stories, songs, and fingerplays for children, age birth to kindergarten and their caregivers. On break 8/20-on. Back in Sept. Wednesdays 10:15-10:45 am Alcove
Baby Storytime • Birth to 24 Months
A brief storytime, ideal for babies birth age to 24 months and their caregivers, followed by early literacy playtime and socialization. On break beginning 8/22. Back in September. Fridays 2:30-3:00 pm Alcove
Boho Clay Garden • Grades 6-12
Read to a Dog • Grades K-8
Practice reading aloud with therapy dogs who love stories! Readers will sign up for a 5-10-minute reading slot when they arrive. Bring a book or borrow one of ours. Two sessions. Mon. August 18 12:00-1:00/3:00-4:00 pm Alcove
Book Bingo: Bluey • All Ages
In a twist on the classic, bingo numbers get replaced with book covers. Call bingo, win a book! Fun for the whole family. This month’s book bingo theme is Bluey—show up in costume for a door prize! Tues. August 19 6:00-7:00 pm Evergreen
Do you love a cute succulent garden but struggle to keep plants alive? This boho craft is for you! We will make small succulent gardens with molded polymer clay. All materials provided; no experience needed; for grades 6-12. Registration is required! Tues. August 5 2:00-3:00 pm Evergreen
Stuffy Sleepover at the Library • Pre-K to Grade 2
Understanding Our MN Bears with Donna “Grizz” Andrews
American Sign Language Sampler • Adults & Grades 6-12
With photos, videos, and stories, expert Donna “Grizz” Andrews will share all about the bears of Minnesota. Learn how to safely coexist alongside our bear neighbors with tips for interpreting bear behavior and using deterrents that keep everyone safe. Come prepared to see bears in a new light! Suitable for all ages. Thurs. August 7 5:00-6:30 pm Evergreen
Kid Stuff: Will Sings Songs • Pre-K to Grade 5
Driven by audience participation, Will’s songs are guaranteed to get kids moving, grooving, laughing, and singing. This high energy performance focuses on positivity, joy, and learning through curiosity. Made possible by ALS and ACHF. Thurs. August 14 6:00-6:40 pm Evergreen
Drop off a stuffy for a sleepover at the library! They’ll have a rockin’ time making new friends, reading stories, and maybe going on an adventure. Learn more and register on the library event calendar. Wed./Thurs. August 20-21 Evergreen Local teacher David Moberg will introduce the basics of American Sign Language in this two session program. Learn the alphabet, numbers, simple words, and some library-related signs. Registration required—visit the library event calendar to learn more and register. Thurs. August 21/28 6:00-7:00 pm Evergreen
Tie-Dyed for Pride • Grades 4-12
Let’s celebrate our brightest selves and create items as unique and colorful as we are! Tie-dyeing can be messy, so wear clothes you wouldn’t mind getting stained. All supplies provided. Registration is required at duluthlibrary.org. For kids in grades 4-12. Tues. August 26 various times Outdoors