Duluth Public Library December 2025 Program Guide

December Program Guide Duluth Public Library | December 2025 | volume x issue xi

Winter Reading Program Kick-off Saturday, December 20 10:00 am-2:00 pm Read, play, and learn your way through winter!

520 W. Superior St. 218-730-4200

Monday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Wednesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Thursday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

105 Mt. Royal Shopping Cir.

218-730-4290

Monday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Tuesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Wednesday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Thursday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday CLOSED

5830 Grand Ave. 218-730-4280

Monday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Wednesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Thursday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday CLOSED

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.

Visit our website: duluthlibrary.org

All library locations CLOSED Wednesday, December 24 • Christmas Eve Thursday, December 25 • Christmas Day Wednesday, December 31 • Closing at 5 pm Free library programming is made possible by:

Music & Dance at the Library Songs of Mesabi with Greg Tiburzi • All Ages

Greg Tiburzi blends guitar and harmonica in Songs of Mesabi, a pastiche of musical styles from the 1800s to present. Come along on this colorful journey with original tunes paying homage to Tiburzi’s homeland, the Iron Range. No registration. All ages.

Sat. December 6 10:30-11:30 am Green

Minnesota Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker, A Duluth Tale • All Ages

Enjoy a sneak peek of Minnesota Ballet’s presentation of the holiday classic. Dancers will share a short performance of The Nutcracker: A Duluth Tale. Then, kids will have a chance to learn some moves in a mini ballet lesson! No registration is needed.

Sat. December 6 3:00-4:00 pm Green

DPL Out & About LGBTQIA2S+ Book Club • Adults

Join us for the library’s new LGBTQIA+ Book Club, presented with Wild State Cider! This book club is for adults and will explore queer stories, both fiction and nonfiction. Please come ready to discuss the book in its entirety even if you did not finish or read the book. The library will provide discussion questions and we encourage you to sit with people you may not know. All are welcome and all of YOU is welcome.

December’s choice is Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender, a YA book about trans love, acceptance, and joy. Felix Love has never, ironically, been in love. After an incident of bullying, Felix journeys out to find a love of his own and ends up learning to love himself along the way. For this title, there will be copies available to check out at the Main Library Circulation desk on a first come, first served basis. No registration needed.

Mon. December 8 6:00-7:30 pm Wild State Cider 2515 W Superior St

Winter Reading Kickoff & Jólabókaflóð • All Ages

Need MNsure insurance support?

Thursdays • 12:00-6:00 pm Sat. December 13 • 10am-1pm Main Library Partnership Center Bring income info, SSN, and current insurance info if you have it. Free. First come, first served.

Kick off the library’s Winter Reading Program and celebrate Jólabókaflóð or holiday book flood—an Icelandic tradition of exchanging books and reading together during the darkest nights of winter. Drop by The Depot to enjoy free books and cocoa, festive craft projects, cultural presentations by the Nordic Center Duluth, music by Norwegian-language folk duo Project Constellation, and a presentation on aurora borealis by local skywatching legend, Astro Bob. All ages are welcome!

Sat. December 20 10:00 am-2:00 pm The Depot 506 W Michigan St

For Kids

For Adults

Do you love to build stuff? Try various building challenges or free build and let your imagination guide your LEGO® creations.

Discuss compelling stories within the Sci-Fi & Fantasy genre at this monthly book club. New members are always welcome. About December’s selection, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens: Beware the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future! They have come to change the life of one Ebenezer Scrooge. Will they be successful or will Scrooge continue to say Bah Humbug to all that is joyful and good? No registration needed.

Construction Series: LEGO® Club • Grades K-7 Tues. December 2

4:00-6:00 pm

Green

Saturday Morning Art Studio • Grades K-12

Drop in any time to do a fun art project with local artist and teacher, Serenity Kenan. Serenity will provide materials and guidance to learn new skills and create art. Bring your sense of adventure and creativity! Drop by the Youth Services Area.

Sat.

December 6

10:00 am-noon Youth Services

STEM for Kids: Glow in the Dark Science • Grades 2-5

STEM for Kids is a hands-on series focused on learning through discovery and play. Ever wondered what causes things to glow in the dark or want to learn more about ultraviolet light? This month, we will conduct experiments that glow! Registration required.

Tues. December 9

4:30-5:30 pm

Green

Wiggles for Littles • Birth-PreK + Caregivers

Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club • Adults

Tues. December 9

6:00-7:30 pm

Gold

Pride and Prejudice Watch Party • Adults

Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with a showing of the 2005 film adaptation of her classic novel, Pride and Prejudice. Come dressed in your finest and enjoy some petit fours to celebrate our girl Jane. Embroidery kits will be available for those who would like to try a themed craft while we watch. No registration needed but embroidery kits are limited-first come, first served! For adults.

Tues. December 16

5:30-8:00 pm

Green

Join us for the library’s Saturday morning indoor play series, Wiggles for Littles! We will get the cold weather wiggles out and learn through stories, exploration, and play. No registration.

For Kids & Their Caregivers

Read to a Dog with Cruz! • Grades K-8

Do you care for the child(ren) of a family member, friend, or neighbor? These info and play sessions are for you and the children in your care! Meet other FFN providers while learning about various topics. December’s topic will be nutrition with St. Louis County Public Health. No registration needed.

Sat.

December 13

10:15-11:30 am

Green

Practice reading aloud with the calm, kind, handsomest boy: therapy dog, Cruz! No need to register—sign up for a 5-10-minute reading slot when you arrive. Bring your own book or borrow one of ours. For kids in grades K-8. Meet in the Youth Services Area.

Sat.

December 13

2:00-3:00 pm Youth Services

Play & Learn for Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Child Care Providers • Birth-PreK + Caregivers

Wed. December 3

10:15-11:30 am

Green

Family Storytime & Discovery • Birth-PreK + Caregivers

Start the morning with stories, rhymes, songs, and movement.

Then, learn through explorative play that builds early STEAM skills, creativity, and curiosity. No registration needed! Meet in the Gold Room. On break 12/22-1/5. Resumes 1/12.

For Tweens and Teens Crafts and Gaming • Grade 6-12

Create and game in the Teen Space of the Main Library, located just off the Suprior Street entrance. There will be a different craft to try each month with Nintendo Switch™️gaming and board games also available. No registration needed.

Tues. December 9

3:30-5:00 pm

Teen Space

Roast This Movie: Elf • Grades 6-12

Celebrate and roast a horribly awesome movie! This month’s movie is “Elf ” (2003 Rated PG, 97 minutes). Movie theater-style snacks will be served. No need to register. No registration needeed

Tues. December 16

4:30-7:00 pm

Green

Teen Anime and Manga Club • Grade 6-12

Watch anime, try a craft, play games, and hang out with others who love anime and manga. Pizza will be served while it lasts!

Meets monthly. No registration needed.

Thurs. December 18

4:00-6:00 pm

Green

Mondays Storytime: 10:15-10:45 am

Gold/Green Discovery: 10:45-11:30 am

Baby Storytime • Birth to 24 Months + Caregivers

Join us for a storytime, early literacy playtime and socialization.

Geared for babies ages birth-24 months and their caregivers. On break 12/25-1/8. Resumes 1/15.

Thursdays 10:15-10:45 am

Gold

Noon Years Eve Noon Years Eve • Birth-PreK + Caregivers

Kids just want to party like it’s 2026! Drop in any time for a dance party, crafts, snacks, games, and noise makers. Then, at 11:59 a.m., we will count down to a shower of balloons! Activities are geared to children from birth age to grade 2 and their caregivers, but familes and kids of all ages are welcome. No registration needed.

Wed. December 31

10:00 am-12:00 pm

Green

Baby Storytime • Birth to 24 months + Caregivers

Stop by for stories, songs, and fingerplays for children birth age to 24 months and their caregivers. No registration needed.

Blue

Mondays 2:30-3:15 pm Tuesdays 10:15-10:45 am Family Storytime • Birth to PreK + Caregivers

Join us for stories, songs, and fingerplays! Geared to children ages birth to PreK and caregivers. No registration needed.

Thursdays

10:15-10:45 am Blue

Songs of Mesabi with Greg Tiburzi • All Ages

Greg Tiburzi blends guitar and harmonica in Songs of Mesabi, a pastiche of musical styles from the 1800s to present. Come along on this colorful journey with original tunes paying homage to Tiburzi’s homeland, the Iron Range. No registration. All ages.

Mon. December 1

Blue

6:00-7:00 pm

FRIENDS Littlest Holiday Book Sale • All Ages

Shop gently used books and materials for all ages and interests at the Friends of Duluth Public Library’s book sale! Proceeds from the sale make library programs possible. Find some great holiday gifts and support your library at the same time. Various times.

Tues. December 2-Thurs. December 4

Various times

Mount Royal Book Club: Fur Trade Nation • Adults

Meet monthly to discuss fiction and nonfiction! New members are always welcome; no registration needed. December’s pick, Fur Trade Nation, explores the global fur trade from an Ojibwe perspective with over 800 pen and ink drawings, connecting historical records and art, oral traditions, Western and Indigenous scholarship, family history, and contemporary artisans.

Wed. December 3

Blue

3:00-4:00 pm

Block Printing Cards & More! • Adults

In this hands-on session, participants will carve designs into linoleum blocks, then use them to print custom cards or other paper creations. Whether you are interested in making handmade gifts or exploring a new skill, this fun, relaxed program is perfect for beginners. Due to the sharp tools, this program is just for adults.

Registration is needed to reserve your spot and supplies!

Wed. December 3

12 Days of Craft-mas • All Ages

Stop by to pick up a free, winter-themed take-and-make craft kit, while supplies last. Each day features a new project, making it a joyful way to count down to the holidays and spread some cheer.

Monday, December 8-Tuesday, December 23 Read to a Dog with Dooley • Grades K-8

Read to Dooley, a kind, patient therapy dog and an excellent listener.

Readers will sign up for a 10-minute reading slot when they arrive.

Bring your own book to share or borrow on of the library’s.

Stop by for stories, songs, and fingerplays for children birth to PreK and their caregivers. No registration. On break 12/23-1/7.

Wednesdays

10:15-10:45 am Alcove

Baby Storytime • Birth to 24 months + Caregivers

Drop in for early literacy play, stories, and socialization, geared to babies birth-24 months and their caregivers. On break 12/26-1/9.

Fridays

Alcove

2:30-3:00 pm

West Duluth D&D • Grade 4-8 • Registration Required

Give Dungeons & Dragons a try, with Dungeonmaster guidance and many opportunities to be creative and shape the campaign!

Meets monthly. Registration is required. For grades 4-8.

Thurs. December 3

Alcove

4:00-6:00 pm

DIY Beginner Bookbinding • Adults • Registration

Create your very own pocket journal with artist Kayli Staubus.

Staubus will discuss how to continue making books at home with everyday materials. Exclusively for adults. Registration required!

Mon. December 8

2:30-4:30 pm

Evergreen

Himmeli Ornaments • Adults and Kids Grades 4+

Make a traditional Finnish ornament with birchbark and twine to hang at home or gift. Best for adults and kids grades 4 and older.

Younger kids will need caregiver support. No need to register.

Thurs. December 11 5:00-6:00 pm

Evergreen

Blue

Wed. December 10 2:30-3:30 pm

Crafternoon • Pre-K to Grade 5 • No Registration

Join Mt. Royal staff for a variety of crafts. No experience necessary.

Fri.

December 12 3:00-4:00 pm Blue

Dungeons & Dragons for Teens • Grades 6-12

Meet monthly for guided D&D campaigns at Mount Royal!

Registration is required to reserve your spot. Exclusively for teens.

Wed. December 17 4:00-6:00 pm

Blue

Explore Vegan • Adults

Find support, resources, and inspiration for your own unique journey to explore a delicious, plant-based lifestyle. No registration.

Fri.

Family Storytime • Birth to PreK + Caregivers

Blue

6:30-7:30 pm

December 19 10:30 am-12:00 pm

Blue

Ojibwe Family Storytime • PreK-Grade 3/All Ages

Join us for a storytime in Anishinaabemowin, led by Michelle Goose.

We will be reading stories, singing songs and sharing rhymes in the Ojibwe language. Geared to kids grades PreK-3 and their caregivers, but all ages are welcome! No registration needed.

Fri.

December 12

Alcove

10:15-10:45 am

Songs of Mesabi with Greg Tiburzi • All Ages

Greg Tiburzi blends guitar and harmonica in Songs of Mesabi, a pastiche of musical styles from the 1800s to present. Come along on this colorful journey with original tunes paying homage to Tiburzi’s homeland, the Iron Range. No registration. All ages.

Thurs. December 4

6:00-7:00 pm

Evergreen

Book Bingo • All Ages • No Registration

Call bingo, win a book! This month’s theme is Christmas books, films, and shows. All ages welcome. No registration.

Tues. December 16 6:00-7:00 pm

Evergreen

Chess Club • All Ages • Registration Encouraged

Those new to chess and seasoned players alike are invited to learn and play with members of Twin Ports Chess Club. Meets monthly.

Evergreen

Thurs. December 18 5:00-7:00 pm

West Duluth Book Club • Adults • No Registration

All are welcome to discuss fiction and nonfiction! If you are interested in joining, just ask for future titles at the front desk.

Fri.

December 19 3:45-4:45 pm

Alcove