December Program Guide
Duluth Public Library | December 2025 | volume x issue xi
Winter Reading Program Kick-off
Saturday, December 20
Read, play, and learn your way through winter! 10:00 am-2:00 pm
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
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 105 Mt. Royal Shopping Cir. 218-730-4290 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
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
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.
Free library programming is made possible by:
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.
Mon. December 8 6:00-7:30 pm
Wild State Cider 2515 W Superior St
Winter Reading Kickoff & Jólabókaflóð • All Ages
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 Adults
Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club • Adults
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.
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
For Kids & Their Caregivers
Play & Learn for Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Child Care Providers • Birth-PreK + Caregivers
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.
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.
Mondays Gold/Green
Storytime: 10:15-10:45 am 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.
Mondays 2:30-3:15 pm Tuesdays 10:15-10:45 am Blue
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 6:00-7:00 pm Blue
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 3:00-4:00 pm Blue
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 6:30-7:30 pm Blue
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. Wed. December 10 2:30-3:30 pm Blue
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. December 19 10:30 am-12:00 pm Blue
Family Storytime • Birth to PreK + Caregivers
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 2:30-3:00 pm Alcove
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 4:00-6:00 pm Alcove
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
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 10:15-10:45 am Alcove
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. Thurs. December 18 5:00-7:00 pm Evergreen
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