Duluth Public Library July Program Guide by Duluth Public Library

July Progam Guide

Duluth Public Library | July 2025 | volume x issue v I

KALEIDOSCOPE

Join us on the Library Plaza (located off Michigan Street) for Kaleidoscope’s 46th season, featuring live performances by talented folks! These 60-minute programs are held rain or shine. Seating is provided; blankets for seating are welcome. Please leave pets and chairs at home. ASL interpretation will be provided at each week’s afternoon performance. Shows are geared to kids and their caregivers but all ages welcome!

Kenny Ahern, aka Silent Comic, has toured the globe sharing a captivating performance style that uses physical comedy, improv, circus and theater arts, music, dance, and audience engagement to delight and entertain.

Siama’s Congo Roots

Tuesday, July 15 10:30 am & 1:30 pm

Tuesday, July 1 10:30 am & 1:30 pm

Take a joyful musical journey to Siama’s hometown in rural Bas Congo, where everyone loved to make music together under the stars. Siama is known for intricate style, spirited singing, and traditional instruments like mbira and balafon.

Presenting science lessons, circus style! Trained by Ringling Brothers Circus, Steve Russell and Kobi Shaw use comedy, juggling, and magic to teach science concepts like matter, chemical reactions, simple machines, air power, and more.

Tuesday, July 29 10:30 am & 1:30 pm

Event Information

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.

All DPL Locations CLOSED

Friday, July 4 • Independence Day

Free library programming is made possible by:

City Sounds: Concerts on the Plaza

Thursdays • 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Join us for the sound of big bands, rain or shine!

Seating provided; feel free to bring your own.

July 3

US Navy Band

July 17

Windjammers

July 24

Duluth Symphonic Winds

August 7

Owls Club Big Band

August 14

Big Time Jazz Orchestra

August 21

Blue Water Big Band +

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! Wednesdays 10:15-11:15 am Gold/Green Storytime: 10:15-10:45 am 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. Thursdays 10:15-11:15 am Gold

Ojibwemowin Family Storytime • Ages 3-8 years

Join us for a storytime in Ojibwemowin, or Anishinaabemowin, led by Allie Tibbetts. We will read stories, sing songs and share rhymes in the Ojibwe language. Geared to ages 3-8 but all are welcome! Allie belongs to the Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe. Ajijaak oddodeman. Allie resides at Nagaajiwanaang where she is a student and teacher of the Ojibwe language. A poet and kids’ book author, Allie enjoys time running, SUPing, and raising her daughter. Fri. July 25 1:00-1:30 pm Green

STORY AND PLAY AT THE PARK SERIES

Join us at a different neighborhood park each week for stories and youth-focused recreation activities with Duluth Parks & Rec! Little Library Go will be present as well, with mobile library services. Storytimes introduce kids to books, rhymes, music, and other early literacy activities. Geared to children birth to 5 and caregivers, but all ages are welcome!

*Indicates ASL interpretation is provided at storytime. Storytime: 9:30-10:00 am Playtime: 10:00-11:30 am

Mon. July 7 —

Sat. July 12 —

* Mon. July 14 —

Mon. July 21 —

Mon. July 28 —

Sat. Aug 2 —

* Mon. Aug 4 —

Portland Square Park • 1016 E 5th St

Merritt Park • 4017 W 7th St

Lincoln Park • Lincoln Park Dr

Observation Park • 914 W 3rd St

Irving Park • 20 S 57th Ave W

Portman Park • 4601 McCulloch St

Enger Park • 1601 Enger Tower Dr

FOR KIDS

Maker Mondays • Grades K-6

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

Pirates and Princesses Tea Party • PreK to Grade 2

Ahoy there! Wear your most regal or roguish costume for an afternoon tea party. We’ll share washbuckling stories, followed by elegant eats and activities, both fierce and fancy. Geared to ages Pre-K to grade 2 and caregivers but the whole family is welcome.

Thurs. July 10 2:00-3:30 pm Green

Wizarding 101: Color Magic • Grades 2-5

Do you love magic and want to become a wizard? We will experiment with common materials and plants to create magical colors. Registration is required at duluthlibrary.org.

Thurs. July 10

5:00-6:30 pm Gold

Summer Movies at the Library • Grades K-5

Kick back and enjoy a movie at the library! There will be themed crafts at each session to try. No registration needed.

Fri. July 11

10:30 am-12:00 pm Green

A Goofy Movie; PG; 78 mins; 1995

Fri. July 18

2:00-4:30 pm Green

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; PG; 143 min.; 2005

LEVEL UP: Pirate Ship Art • Grades 4-8

Join local artist Linnaea Rose to learn the art of ship building by way of paper, pencils, and your imagination! All materials provided. For grades 4-8. Registration is required.

Fri. July 11 1:00-2:00 pm Gold

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. July 23 3:00-4:00 pm Green

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 they arrive. Bring your own book or borrow one from the library. For grades K-8.

Thurs. July 24 3:00-4:00 pm Gold

LEVEL UP: STEM Gaming • Grades 2-5

The library STEM for Kids series is leveling up for the Summer Reading Program with hands-on STEM gaming. There will be a variety of activities to try including a VR game and minute-towin-it challenges. Registration is required. For grades 2-5. Thurs. July 17 4:30-5:30 pm Green

FOR TWEENS & TEENS

Character Illustration • Grade 6-12

Local artist Linnaea Rose will walk you through step-by-step how to lay out the sketch of your chosen character (from D&D, fantasy, anime, etc.), then how to layer it with ink for a finished illustration. Registration is required—sign up for one or both sessions.

Tues. July 8 5:00-7:00 pm Gold Wed. July 16 2:00-4:00 pm Gold

Ride, Read, and Hammock • Ages 13-16 years

Meet on the Michigan Street Plaza at the Main Library, then head out to bike, read, and hammock! Transportation to and from sites will be provided along with bikes, helmets, hammocks, and lunch. All you need to bring is a book to read! Registration is required to participate. Registration and details can be found on the Duluth Parks and Rec website. (duluthmn.gov/parks) Two sessions offered. Thurs. July 17 12:00-4:00 pm Offsite Thurs. July 31 12:00-4:00 pm Offsite

Teen Anime and Manga Club • Grade 6-12

Watch anime, create, play games, and hang out with others who love anime and manga! Pizza is served while it lasts.

Thurs. July 24 4:00-6:00 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, please come prepared with the following: a fully charged device, if using your own; passwords; library card; a goal in mind/problem to tackle and a desire to learn! Wednesdays 2:00-4:00 pm Partnership Center

Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club: Piranesi

New members welcome! Meet at Studio Café (102 W Superior St.) to discuss compelling titles within the genre, which features very real, human stories. For July: Piranesi by Susana Clark.

Thurs. July 10 6:00-7:00 pm Studio Café

Adventure Book Club: Choose Your Own Adventure

Talk books, then head out on a gentle hike led by Parks & Rec. For July, we will share beloved adventure tales. Meet at Chester Park, 1800 E Skyline Pkwy. Registration is required. To learn more and register, check the library calendar or visit duluthmn.gov/parks. Fri. July 11 10:00 am-12:00 pm Chester Park

Gaming on the Plaza • Adults

Come for a night of retro gaming on the library plaza! Choose from a variety of classic board games or try our VR headset. Johnny B’s food truck will be onsite with food for sale. Exclusively geared to adults. In the event of rain, we will move to the Green Room. Tues. July 22 4:00-7:30 pm Plaza/Green

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. 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. Thursdays 10:15-10:45 am Blue

Mt. Royal Book Club: The Underground Railroad

Meet monthly to discuss fiction and non-fiction. New members are always welcome! For July, follow Cora’s harrowing journey to freedom in The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. Wed. July 2 3:00-4:00 pm Blue

Timber! Tales with Susan Hawkinson • Adults & Teens

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. Suitable for adults and teens grade 9 and up. Sponsored by Arrowhead Library System and Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund. Mon. July 14 6:00-7:00 pm Blue

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. July 16 4:00-6:00 pm Blue

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. July 18 2:00-3:00 pm Blue

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.

Wed. July 23 10:00-10:50 am 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 a program series. No registration.

Fri. July 25 10:30 am-12:00 pm Blue

Builders Club • Grades 2-5

Drop in to create whatever your imagination comes up with using LEGO, cardboard bricks and more. For grades 2-5.

Fri. July 25 3:00-4:00 pm Blue

Book Bingo: Ojibwe Edition • All Ages

Cover that free space and play bingo in Anishinaabemowin with Ojibwe language instructor, Michelle Goose. Call nibakinaage (bingo) and bring home a book. All are welcome to play!

Mon. July 28 3:30-4:30 pm Blue

Pet Portrait Painting • Adults & Teens

Paint a fun, colorful portrait of your pet! A canvas, frame, and painting materials will be provided; no previous experience is needed. Registration is required at duluthlibrary.org.

Wed. July 30 6:30-7:30 pm

Blue

Family Storytime • Birth to Kindergarten

Join us for stories, songs, and fingerplays for children, age 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

Book Bingo: Ojibwe Edition • All Ages

Alcove

Cover that free space and play bingo in Anishinaabemowin with Ojibwe language instructor, Michelle Goose. Call nibakinaage (bingo) and bring home a book. All are welcome to play!

Tues. July 1 6:00-7:00 pm Evergreen

Knot Tying Skills • Adults & Youth Grades 6-12

Do the words “Clove Hitch,” “Sheet Bend,” and “Bowline” mean anything to you? This program will introduce basic knots, application of rope techniques, and a little knot history. Try some tying and learn from a local with working knowledge of the trades. Thurs. July 10 6:00-7:00 pm Evergreen

Empowered Caregivers: Commucating Effectively • Adults

This class, presented by Jenna Pogorels of the Alzheimer’s Association, focuses on communication skills that are useful when dementia affects family and friends. Receive tips for communicating well with family, friends, and healthcare workers. Mon. July 14 3:45-4:45 pm Evergreen

Book Bingo: Summer Fun • 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.

Tues. July 15 6:00-7:00 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. July 18 3:45-4:45 pm Evergreen

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 spot on arrival. Bring your own book or borrow one from the library. Two sessions available. Mon. July 21 12:00-1:00/3:00-4:00 pm Alcove

Teen Watercolor & Ink Basics • Grades 6-12

With summer in full swing, it is important to make time for art! We will keep it simple and focus on watercolor painting with ink embellishments. Participants will all go home with at least one completed project. Registration is required to reserve your spot. Tues. July 22 3:00-4:00 pm Evergreen

Kid Stuff: Dinosaurs with the Science Museum • Grades K-3