October Program Guide
Duluth Public Library | October 2025 | volume x issue I x
CENSORSHIP is so 1984
READ FOR YOUR RIGHTS
OCT
5 - 11 2025
Launched in 1982, Banned Book Week prompts us to exercise, celebrate, and stand up for our right to read. This year, at Duluth Public Library, we are celebrating Banned Books Week with a read-in on Saturday, October 11 at the Main Library. Grab your current read or check out something new and read together in support of First Amendment rights. Drop in any time during the program. Geared to adults.
Community Read-In • Saturday, October 11 • 10:00 am-12:00 pm • Main Library, Green Room
Let’s celebrate the arrival of fall! The library will host a storytime geared to ages birth-five from 10:0010:30 AM. Then get crafty from 10:30 AM-12:00 PM with Duluth Parks and Recreation, who will have everything you need to paint and carve pumpkins! A limited supply of pumpkins from Whole Foods Co-op will be available or bring your own. All ages welcome. Saturday, October 4 • 10:00 AM-12:00 PM • Harrison Park, 3002 West 3rd St.
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.
MAIN LIBRARY
For Adults
Willow Brigid’s Cross • Adults
Learn how to turn sticks into form with willow sculptor, nurse, and mental health advocate, Martha Bird. Bird will guide participants through the process of making their very own Brigid’s Cross—first with pipe cleaners, then with willow. Registration is required. Sat. October 4 1:00-4:00 pm Green
Banned Books Read-In • Adults
Celebrate Banned Books Week at your library! Grab your current read or check out something new and read together in support of everyone’s right to read. Drop in and read for as long as you like.
Sat. October 11 10:00 am-12:00 pm Green
A Conversation with Brian Freeman • Adults
Bestsellling author of the Bourne Series, Brian Freeman, will be tuning in via Zoom to discuss writing and authorship. Attend the video conference at the library or register to attend virtually from your own device. Registration is needed only to receive Zoom link. Presented in partnership with Lake Superior Writers. Sat. October 11 1:00-2:30 pm Green/Zoom
DIY Beginner Book Binding • Adults
Free library programming is made possible by:
Learn how to create a book using what you have on hand. We will go over the terminology, tools, and materials needed to start bookbinding, then put it into action to create a small pocket-sized memo book. Supplies are limited; registration is required. Due to the skills and tools required, this program is just for adults. Made possible by a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council. Thurs. October 28 5:30-7:30 pm Green
Practical Magic & Crafting • Adults
Get in the mood to celebrate Halloween by crafting while watching the iconic 1998 film Practical Magic. (Rated PG-13) Viewers are welcome to bring their own crafts. There will also be Practical Magic-themed embroidery kits available for anyone who would like to try. Bring a craft, bring a snack, and enjoy the Owens sisters! Rated PG-13. No registration needed.
Thurs. October 30 5:30-8:00 pm Green
READY SET GROW:
Read, Talk, Write, Sing, & Play Together
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. For our last session of this series, we will meet at the Duluth Children’s Museum for early learning through PLAY. Drop in any time for activities in and outside the museum. Sessions run 4:30-6:00 p.m. Drop in any time.
Wed. October 15 • Duluth Children’s Museum
Lincoln Park Drive, Duluth, MN 55806
DPL Out & About
Adventure Book Club: Gunflint Falling •
Adults
Meet at Chambers Grove Park/Nagaajiwanaang (13404 MN Hwy-23) to discuss Gunflint Falling by Cary Griffith. The author himself will join us as we dive into his account of the massive 1999 storm in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. After the discussion, Parks staff will lead a gentle, optional hike. Registration is required on the Parks & Rec site at duluthmn.gov/parks. Fri. October 10 10:00 am-12:00 pm Offsite
Book Bingo at Wild State Cider • Adults
In a twist on the classic game, book bingo replaces board numbers with book covers. Those over 21 can enjoy a cider while winning books and other prizes. Presented in partnership with Wild State Cider! No registration. @Wild State Cider, 2515 W. Superior St. Fri. October 24 7:00-9:00 pm Offsite
Halloween at the Library
Mini Monster Mash • Birth-PreK+ Caregivers
Drop in for a ghoulishly good dance party, crafts, and play time with optional trick or treating throughout the day. Geared to children ages birth to PreK but all children and their caregivers are welcome! No registration. Fri. October 31 10:00-11:30 am Green
Music at the Library
Caleigh: They Brought Their Songs • Grade 4-Adults
Caleigh weaves together stories and history with musical genres and instruments that highlight Minnesota’s diverse ethnic makeup. Strings, keys, percussion, and vocals create a harmony of Minnesota history. This delightful musical experience is for ages 10 through adult. No registration needed.
Mon. October 20 1:00-2:30 pm Green
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. October 7
3:30-5:00 pm Teen Space
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. October 16 4:00-6:00 pm Green
Roast This Movie: Five Nights at Freddy’s • Grades 6-12
Celebrate and roast movies at the library. October’s feature: Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023, rated PG13, 110 minutes) Movie theater-style snacks will be served. No registration needed. Tues. October 28 4:30-7:00 pm Gold
For Kids & Their Caregivers
Play & Learn for Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Child Care Providers • Birth-PreK + Caregivers
Meet other care providers and play and learn with the little ones you care for. Each session will include time for caregivers to learn from guest experts. October’s topic is early literacy with the Duluth Public Library. November’s topic will be on challenging behaviors with the Center for Inclusive Child Care. No registration needed. Wed. October 1 10:15-11:30 am Green
FFN Play Date • Birth-PreK + Caregivers
Are you caring for the child(ren) of a family member, neighbor, or friend? Drop by to meet other care providers and children. Enjoy light snacks, learn more about monthly FFN programs at the library, and leave with free books and other resources. Kids and their FFN caregivers are both welcome—no registration is needed. Fri. October 17 10:15-11:30 am Green
For Kids
STEM: Haunted Gingerbread Houses • Grades 2-5
This month’s program features gingerbread houses, with a haunted, STEM twist. Construct your house to endure seismic activity and a foggy haunting... Supplies are limited; registration is required. Tues. October 7 4:30-5:30 pm Green
Special Edition Builder’s Club: LEGO® Ukulele with Yuya Mix! Local musician and LEGO® enthusiast Yuya Mix will share an instrument of his own design: a ukulele made with LEGO®! Yuya will discuss the build process and play his original song, Piece x Piece. Demo: 4-5pm/Open build time: 5-6pm. All ages are welcome at this special edition LEGO® Club. No registration. Tues. October 14 4:00-6:00 pm Green
Zoomobile: Creature Coverings •3-5 Yrs+ Caregivers
Do animals wear Halloween costumes? Sometimes! Uncover the world of animal skins, scales, feathers, and learn how they help animals survive. Registration is required. Thurs. October 16 10:30-11:00 am Green
Hocus Pocus Bingo and Movie • Grades K-5
“It’s all a bunch of Hocus Pocus!” Join us for Hocus Pocus-themed bingo and watch the 1993 classic film while you play. For kids grades K-5. Rated PG; 95 min. No registration needed. Fri. October 17 2:00-4:00 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 you arrive. Bring your own book or borrow one from the library. For grades K-8.
Sat. October 18 10:30-11:30 am Gold
Builder’s Club • Grades K-7
Build with LEGO® and beyond! If you enjoy structure, take on a building challenge or just let your imagination guide the way in a free-build. No registration needed—drop in for as long as you like.
Tues. October 21 4:00-6:00 pm Green
Monstrous Crafts & Activities • Grades K-5
Calling all monsters! Drop by to wreak some crafty havoc. Kids can try a themed craft or old-fashioned games like “Pin the Spider on the Web”. Costumes are welcome! No registration needed. Sat. October 25 10:30 am-12:30 pm Green
Storytimes
Family Storytime & Discovery • Birth-PreK + Caregivers
Start the morning with stories, rhymes, songs, and movement geared to children birth to preschool and their grownups. Then, continue learning through explorative play that builds early STEAM skills, creativity, and curiosity. Meet in Gold Room. No storytime 10/13. Closed for Indigenous People’s Day. Mondays Gold/Green
Storytime: 10:15-10:45 am Discovery: 10:45-11:15 am
Baby Storytime • Birth to 24 Months + Caregivers
Join us for a brief storytime, then stay for early literacy playtime and socialization. For babies birth-24 months and their caregivers. Thursdays 10:15-10:45 am Gold
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
Mt. Royal Book Club: The Guncle by Steven Rowley • Adults
Meet monthly to discuss fiction and nonfiction—new members are always welcome! October’s pick is all about family, following “gay uncle Patrick” or GUP and his attempt to fill a caregiver role in the wake of tragedy in The Guncle. No registration.
Wed. October 1 3:00-4:00 pm Blue
Putting the Garden to Bed • Adults
Fall is the perfect time to take stock and consider new ideas for your garden. Rather than waiting for spring to make major moves, let’s use autumn to our advantage! Amy Westbrook of Northern Native Gardens will share her knowledge. No registration.
Fri. October 3 10:30-11:30 am Blue
Twin Ports Genealogical Society • Adults
Attend meetings in person or via Zoom. TPGS promotes genealogical research and preservation in the area. New members always welcome! Register at duluthlibrary.org to receive link. Mon. October 6 6:00-7:30 pm Zoom/Blue
Special Edition Builder’s Club: LEGO® Ukulele with Yuya Mix!
All Ages Welcome • No Registration Needed
Local musician and LEGO® enthusiast Yuya Mix will share an instrument of his own design: a ukulele made with LEGO®! Yuya will discuss the build process and play his original song, Piece x Piece. One hour demo followed by free building!
@ the Mount Royal Branch, Blue Room
Tues. October 21 3:00-5:00 pm
@ the West Duluth Branch, Evergreen Conference Room
Tues. October 28 5:00-7:00 pm
Family Storytime • Birth to PreK + Caregivers
Stop by for stories, songs, and fingerplays for children birth to PreK and their caregivers. No registration.
Wednesdays 10:15-10:45 am Alcove
Baby Storytime • Birth to 24 months + Caregivers
Drop in for early literacy playtime, stories, and socialization, geared to babies birth-24 months and their caregivers.
Fridays 2:30-3:00 pm Alcove
Pumpkin Putt-Putt • All Ages • No Registration
Don your favorite costume (optional) and play a round of mini golf with pumpkiny obstacles and seasonal themes! All ages. Thurs. October 16 2:00-4:00 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. October 16 5:00-7:00 pm Evergreen
Read to a Dog with Dooley • Grades K-8 • No Registration
Read to Dooley, a therapy dog and a kind, patient listener. Readers will sign up for a 10-minute reading slot when they arrive.
Wed. October 8 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. October 10 3:00-4:00 pm Blue
Blacklight Book Bing-glow • All Ages • No Registration
Call bingo and win books in this special blacklight edition of book bingo! All ages welcome. Fun for the whole family.
Fri. October 17 11:00 am-12:00 pm Blue
Miniature Magic Apothecary Tins • Adults & Teens 13+
Craft a magical little scene with miniature potion bottles, books, and other mystical curios. Registration required at duluthlibrary.org.
Wed. October 22 6:30-7:30 pm Blue
Explore Vegan • Adults
Find support, resources, and inspiration for your own unique journey to explore a delicious, plant-based lifestyle. No registration needed.
Fri. October 24 10:30 am-12:00 pm Blue
Pirates & Princesses Party • Grades K-2
Dress up as your favorite pirate, princess (or other favorite character) and join us for games, crafts, music, and a photo booth to enjoy! Fri. October 24 2:30-3:30 pm Blue
Caleigh: They Brought Their Songs • Grade 4-Adults
Caleigh: They Brought Their Songs weaves together stories and history of Minnesota with musical genres and instruments that highlight the state’s diverse ethnic make-up. Strings, keys, percussion, and vocals create a harmony of Minnesota history. This delightful musical experience is suitable for ages 10 through adult. No registration. @ the Mount Royal Branch, Blue Room
Mon. October 20 6:00-7:30 pm
@ the West Duluth Branch, Evergreen Conference Room
Thurs. October 30 6:00-7:30 pm
Zoomobile: Creature Categories! • Grades K-3 + Caregivers
Furry, scaly, feathered, or slimy... Learn how scientists sort animals into groups based on appearance and behavior with (human and animal!) friends from Lake Superior Zoo. Registration is required. Fri. October 17 10:30-11:00 am 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. October 17 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 reading slot when they arrive. Mon. October 20 12:00-1:00 pm Alcove
Book Bingo: Halloween • All Ages • No Registration
Call bingo, win a book! Fun for the whole family. This month’s theme is Halloween. Show up in costume for a door prize! All ages welcome. Tues. October 21 6:00-7:00 pm Evergreen
Chocolate Tasting 101 • Adults
Join local chocolatier, Amanda Flowers, for a presentation and chocolate tasting. For adults. Registration is required.
Thurs. October 23 6:00-7:00 pm Evergreen