May Program Guide
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 - 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
CLOSED 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
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 all children under 8 years of age 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 our staff can support you to participate fully and comfortably.
All DPL Locations CLOSED
Monday, May 26 • Memorial Day
Free library programming is made possible by:
Annual Summer Book Sale
Build your home library and contribute to a good cause at the same time! All proceeds go to support the Duluth Public Library in offering free events to the community. The sale takes place at the Main Library on the Michigan St. level. Cash, checks, cards accepted.
Monday, June 9 • 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Members-only Day—become a member to shop early
Tuesday, June 10 • 10:00 am to 7:30 pm
Wednesday, June 11 • 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Thursday, June 12 • 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Bag Sale—enjoy special deals on the sale’s last day
Tales of the Great Lakes
Going to Bartalina: Songs & Stories of Commercial Sailing on the Great Lakes with Folksinger Charlie Maguire • All Ages
The only songwriter ever granted passage to write about two Great Lakes vessels, musician Charlie Maguire brings a program of songs and stories unequaled in authenticity. Maguire’s program includes renditions of Gordon Lightfoot’s The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald and Woody Guthrie’s Story songs, rounding out a solid hour of deep water adventure. For all ages. Sponsored by the Arrowhead Library System; funded in part or in whole by a grant from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Sat. May 3 10:30-11:30 am Main Library—Green Mon. May 19 6:00-7:00 pm Mount Royal—Blue
Thurs. May 22 6:00-7:00 pm West Duluth—Evergreen
Old-Fashioned Penny Press
Minnesota Artists Penny Press
The Minnesota Artists Penny Press (MAPP), features the artwork of four Minnesota artists. For two quarters plus one shiny penny, a curious buyer can turn the crank that turns the gears, churning out their own itty-bitty piece of collectible local art. The press’ current designs include the work of Maryam Khaleghi Yazdi, professor of design at U MN-Duluth. All proceeds support future experimental public art projects.
MAPP @ the Main Library: May 3—July
Master Gardeners Series
Principles of Design for Residential Pollinator Gardens
This online training session will cover the principles of design for pollinator projects that fit into residential yards and neighborhoods. Planting templates, helpful resources, along with effective site preparations and installation methods will be discussed. For adults. Presented as part of the ongoing Master Gardeners series. Register on library events calendar to receive Zoom link.
Thurs. May 8 6:00-7:00 pm Online
Out and About
Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club: The Big Over Easy 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. We think we know the story of Humpty Dumpty, but do we really? What if, instead of falling, he was pushed, or shot? Follow Jack Spratt and his partner Mary Mary as they race to solve the case of the cracked egg, in Jasper Fforde’s The Big Over Easy. New members are always welcome! Thurs. May 15 6:00-7:30 pm Studio Café
FOR YOUTH
Paint and Pottery • Grades 4-8
With guidance from local award-winning artist, Serenity Kenan, youth artists will create multiple projects using clay and paint. Registration required. Runs three consecutive Saturdays in May.
Sat. May 3, 10, 17 10:00 am-12:00 pm Gold
STEM Series: Rollercoaster Science • Grades 2-5
Let’s learn as we build marble rollercoasters in this hands-on STEM program! How do they work? What keeps the marble on the track? For kids in grades 2-5. Please register on the library events calendar.
Tues. May 6 4:30-5:30 pm Green
Read to a Dog with Cruz! • Grades K-5
Practice reading aloud with the goodest boy! Cruz loves to cuddle up and hear kids read him their favorite stories. Readers sign up for a 10-minute reading slot when they arrive. Borrow a library book or bring your own. For kids and tweens, ages K-5.
Sat. May 10 2:00-3:00 pm Green
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. May 13 4:00-6:00 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. May 27
4:00-6:00 pm Green
FOR TWEENS & TEENS
Creative Writing for Teens • Grades 6-12
Learn the basics of narrative fiction! We will talk through starting a first draft, from brainstorm to outline. Meet others interested in writing and develop your writing process. Pizza served while it lasts.
Tues. May 6
4:30-6:30 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. May 15 4:00-6:00 pm Green
Roast This Movie:
Percy Jackson & The Olympians • Grades 6-12
Celebrate and roast a horribly awesome movie.
May’s feature: Percy Jackson and The Olympians (2010; PG; 119 minutes). Movie theater-style snacks will be served. For grades 6-12.
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
FOR ADULTS
Block Printing Bandanas with Nature Themes • Adults
Stand out from the crowd with a hand-stamped bandana! Participants will decorate their bandana with local flora and fauna in this immersive block printing class, led by local artist Wild Kidd Designs. Space is limited; registration is required.
Sat. May 3 2:00-4:00 pm Green
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
Community Partnership Center
Main Library • 2nd Floor
No appointments necessary. Walk-ins welcome. Assistance is free and available to all!
CareerForce
Second Monday of the month, 12:30-4:30 pm
Receive job search assistance from Minnesota’s career development and talent matching resource. Upcoming dates: May 12; June 9
Thurs. May 22 4:30-7:00 pm Green
MNsure Navigators
Thursdays, 12-6 pm
Receive assistance navigating the state of MN’s healthcare marketplace. Find out if you qualify for MNsure and receive assistance in applying.
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
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. Ojibwemowin Storytime: Thursday, May 22 with Michelle Goose, who will share stories and songs in the Ojibwe language. Thursdays 10:15-10:45 am Blue
Twin Ports Genealogical Society (TPGS) Meeting • Adults
All are welcome! Attend in person or register at duluthlibrary.org for Zoom link. Victoria Berhman will present “Alice Golla” a video that shows how to make genealogy come alive with a family story. Mon. May 5 6:00-7:30 pm Zoom/Blue
Mt. Royal Book Club: Just For the Summer
About this month’s book: Every woman Justin dates finds her soulmate the second they break up. When he meets a woman with the same curse, they come up with a plan: Date each other, break up, find their soulmates. Will it work? New members welcome! Wed. May 7 3:00-4:00 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. May 9 3:00-4:00 pm Blue
Paper Quilling Made Easy • Adults & Teens Grades 6+
Create a handmade card and learn the art of paper quilling in the process! Registration required. Due to the skills needed for paper crafting, this class is for adults and teens, grade 6 and older.
Wed. May 14
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. Please note: Wednesday, May 14 will be a special firefighter storytime with a member of DFD! 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
DIY Cat Tent • Adults & Teens Grades 6+
Make a feline-friendly hiding place with a recycled t-shirt, coat hangers, and a cardboard box! Supplies provided. Registration required. Due to skills needed, this program is for adults and teens, grade 6 and older. (Sorry, no cats allowed!) Thurs. May 8 5:00-6:00 pm Evergreen
Science of Mining: Dangers of Sulfide Mining & Our Waterways
This talk will provide information about mining practices that cause sulfide-based pollution and how these toxic scenarios can be avoided. Presented by Tom Anderson of Tamarack Water Alliance, a local organization looking to protect local water systems. Mon. May 12 1:00-2:00 pm Evergreen
Going to Bartalina: Songs & Stories of Commercial Sailing on the Great Lakes with Folksinger Charlie Maguire • All Ages
Please see full description on the inside cover of this guide. Mon. May 19 6:00-7:00 pm Blue
Read to a Dog, with Dooley! • Kids & Tweens
Practice your read-aloud skills with the goodest boy. Dooley is a registered Pet Partners™ therapy dog and loves to be read to! Borrow a library book or bring your own. For kids and tweens.
Tues. May 20 3:45-4:45 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. May 21 4:00-6:00 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 a program series. No registration. Fri. May 23 10:30 am-12:00 pm Blue
Make a Zen Garden • Kids & Caregivers
Relax while creating your very own Zen Garden! This will be a great sensory experience and calming, meditative activity. All supplies provided. Registration is required—one garden per family.
Fri. May 23 3:00-4:00 pm Blue
Book Bingo • All Ages
Mark off your free space and get ready to play! If you call bingo, you bring home a book. All ages welcome—fun for the whole fam.
Wed. May 28 3:00-4:00 pm Blue
Chess Club • All Ages
Players of all ages and experience levels are invited! Supplies provided; bring your own board if you like. Registration required! Thurs. May 15 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. May 16 3:45-4:45 pm Evergreen
Book Bingo: Superheroes and Villians • All Ages
In a twist on the classic, bingo numbers get replaced with book covers. May’s theme: Superheroes and villians! All ages welcome. Tues. May 20 6:00-7:00 pm Evergreen
Going to Bartalina: Songs & Stories of Commercial Sailing on the Great Lakes with Folksinger Charlie Maguire • All Ages
Please see full description on the inside cover of this guide. Thurs. May 22 6:00-7:00 pm Evergreen
STEM for Kids: Rollercoaster Science • Grades 2-5
Let’s build marble rollercoasters and learn how they work as we create. For grades 2-5. Registration required on the event calendar. Thurs. May 29 4:30-5:30 pm Evergreen