Duluth Public Library September Program Guide

September Program Guide Duluth Public Library | September 2025 | volume x issue vIII

The Great

North Star

Read Together Drag Queen Storytime Saturday, September 20 Main Library Plaza • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Show your support for Minnesota’s libraries!

Celebrate The Great North Star Read Together and show your appreciation for the vital role libraries play in our communities.

Community members are invited to gather and read in support of all Minnesota libraries. Learn more at the QR code.

Ojibwe STEM Series: Wild Rice Harvest Learn and participate in an Ojibwe fall tradition. Details inside!

Event Information

ALL LOCATIONS OJIBWE STEM SERIES: Wild Rice Harvest • Grades 2-12

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.

Free library programming is made possible by:

Monday, September 1 • Labor Day

OUT AND ABOUT Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club: Every Heart a Doorway Meet at Studio Cafe (102 W. Superior St.) to discuss compelling Sci-Fi & Fantasy titles. For September: Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire. New members welcome at this monthly club.

6:00-7:30 pm

@ the Main Library, Green Room Thurs. September 25 2:30-4:00 pm Wild Rice Preserving • Grades 4-12

Learn traditional Ojibwe wild rice preparation techniques with Joseph Gokee and Megan Lhotka. Participants will walk through the steps of how to finish and prepare wild rice by cooking and eating it in a traditional way. Please register at duluthlibrary.org.

@ the West Duluth Branch, Evergreen Conference Room Thurs. September 25 5:30-7:00 pm Wild Rice Harvest Sensory Exploration • Grades K-2

Explore an Ojibwe fall tradition by tuning into your senses, with Megan Lhotka. Participants will use sensory bins to explore dry and wet concepts and develop scientific hypothesis about wild rice. Play and learn with leaves and language, creating a collage in the colors of fall and Ojibwemowin, the Ojibwe language. We’ll be using paint, so please dress for the mess! Please register at duluthlibrary.org to reserve your spot.

@ the Mount Royal Branch, Blue Room Fri. September 26 2:30-4:30 pm About the Presenters:

All library locations CLOSED

Thurs. September 11

Learn about Ojibwe ricing practices with Megan Lhotka. We will view a video about traditional ricing from Leech Lake and White Earth Nations, exploring the grain from green stalk to finished rice. Participants will also receive a wild rice book in Ojibwemowin. Please register at duluthlibrary.org.

Offsite

Adventure Book Club: Locally Laid

Joseph Gokee is a tribal member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe.

Megan (Miinanikwe) Lhotka is a descendant of the White Earth Band of Pembina Ojibwe in Northwest MN. Cultural liaison and medicine keeper, Miinanikwe shares knowledge and keeps learning through language and community.

Colorful Coiled Baskets with Artist Erika LeMay

Learn basic basketry skills and stitch techniques to create a small coiled basket. Erika LeMay will guide attendees through stitching and creating simple patterns using different colors.

Beginner artists will follow along to spiral their baskets outward and upward to complete a functional work of art!

Join us for a walk around the Locally Laid farm with Lucie Amundsen as we discuss her 2016 book detailing the start-up of this local egg operation! Registration is required at duluthmn.gov/ parks. Meet at Wheeler Complex; transport to farm provided.

This workshop is a 2.5 hour experience designed for adults, teens, and kids 11 and older. Registration is required. Adult assistance will be needed for younger children. Made possible by the Arrowhead Library System and MN’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

An Evening with William Kent Krueger

@ the Main Library, Green Room Sat. September 6 10:00 am-12:30 pm Sat. September 6 1:30-4:00 pm

Fri.

September 12

10:00 am-12:00 pm

Offsite

William Kent Krueger will be in town to discuss his most recent novel, Apostle’s Cove, at the St. Louis County Depot, 506 W. Michigan Street. Kent is an engaging raconteur with many stories to share! Free to attend with books for sale. Co-presented by Zenith Bookstore, the Duluth Library Foundation, and DPL.

Fri.

September 12

7:00-8:30 pm

Offsite

@ the West Duluth Branch, Evergreen Conference Room Fri. September 19 10:00 am-12:30 pm @ the Mount Royal Branch, Blue Room Mon. September 29 10:00 am-12:30 pm

FOR ADULTS

FOR KIDS

In May 2024, the Bong Veterans Museum, in partnership with Pacific Wrecks, sent a team to Papua New Guinea to locate ace fighter pilot Major Richard Bong’s P-38 fighter aircraft. This program will provide some background on Major Bong and his Marge aircraft, named for his girlfriend, along with photographs and videos from last year’s expedition. Presented on Zoom—register at duluthlibrary. org to receive the meeting link.

Start the morning with stories, rhymes, songs, and movement geared to kids ages birth to preschool and caregivers. Then, continue learning through explorative play that builds early STEAM skills, creativity, and curiosity. Meet in the Gold Room.

Family Storytime we will be on break beginning Wednesday, August 20, then move to MONDAYS, beginning Monday, 9/8.

Mission Marge • Adults

Tues. September 2

Zoom

2:00-3:00 pm

Embroidered Felt Coasters • Adults & Teens 14+

Cozy up with the perfect craft to start before the leaves fall! We will be making two coasters while learning how to piece felt and use several different embroidery stitches. Due to the needed skills and tools used, participants must be 14 and older.

Thurs. September 18

Gold

6:00-8:00 pm

Renter’s Rights 101 • Adults

Learn about Renter’s Rights from community partners, One Roof Community Housing and Justice North. This two-part program is on Zoom—register at duluthlibrary.org to receive the link.

Thurs. September 11 Thurs. September 25

Zoom Zoom

6:00-7:00 pm 6:00-7:00 pm

Local Authors Fair • Adults

Head over from the Bienvenue Coffee Fest and join us for a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and community at our Local Authors Fair, presented with Lake Superior Writers! Meet and greet local authors, browse books and learn more about the writing community here in Duluth!

Sat.

September 27

Green

1:00-3:00 pm

Family Storytime & Discovery • Birth-PreK + Caregivers

Mondays Storytime: 10:15-10:45 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.

Baby Storytime will take a short break beginning Thursday, August 21 and resume Thursday 9/11. Same time/location.

Thursdays 10:15-10:45 am

Author, news anchor, producer, and reporter, Maria Vollom will share her book The Great Sheep Escape: Brad’s Big Adventure. There will be time to ask questions about Maria’s work as a writer and on the news, and about the true story of Brad the sheep!

Sat.

September 13

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.

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.

Thurs. September 18

Gold

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.

September 13 2:00-3:00 pm

Gold

Construction Series: LEGO® Club • Grades K-7

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

4:00-6:00 pm

Green

4:00-6:00 pm

STEM for Kids is a fun hands-on series focused on learning through discovery and play. We will experiment to learn about magnetism and create magnetic slime! Registration required.

Tues. September 23

4:30-5:30 pm

Green

Construction Series: Builders Club • Grades K-7

Take on a building challenge or just relax and free build with materials that go beyond LEGO® from K’NEX® to cardboard!

Tues. September 30

4:00-6:00 pm

Green

READY SET GROW:

Green

Roast This Movie: The Lightning Thief • Grades 6-12

Celebrate and roast movies at the library. September’s feature: Percy Jackson & the Olympians - The Lightning Thief (2018; PG; 110 minutes). Movie theater-style snacks will be served.

Tues. Sept. 23

10:15-10:45 am

STEM for Kids Series: Magnetic Science • Grades 2-5

FOR TWEENS & TEENS

3:30-5:00 pm

Gold

Special Guest Storytime • PreK-Grade 3 + Caregivers

Tues. September 16

Tues. September 9

Gold/Green Art: 10:45-11:15 am

4:30-7:00 pm Gold

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.

Sessions run 4:30-6:00 p.m. Drop in any time.

September 17 • Sing Together • Lincoln Park Lincoln Park Drive, Duluth, MN 55806

Crafternoon • Pre-K to Grade 5 Baby Storytime • Birth to 24 months + Caregivers

Early literacy playtime, stories, and socialization, for babies birth to 24 months and caregivers. On break 8/18-9/1. Returns 9/8.

Mondays 2:30-3:15 pm Tuesdays 10:15-10:45 am Blue

Family Storytime • Birth to Kindergarten + Caregivers

Join us or stories, songs, and fingerplays! Geared to ages birth-5 and caregivers. On break 8/21-9/4. Returns 9/11.

Thursdays 10:15-10:45 am Blue

Mt. Royal Book Club: The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins

Meet monthly to discuss a variety of fiction and nonfiction—new members are always welcome! September’s pick is heartwarming and a bit magical-The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins.

Wed. September 3 3:00-4:00 pm Blue

Carrie-oke! • Birth-K + Caregivers

Join Miss Carrie for a joyful group sing-a-long and dance party.

Together, we’ll be dancing, singing, and feeling the beat!

Thurs. September 4 10:15-11:00 am Blue

Twin Ports Genealogical Society • Adults

Attend meetings in person or via Zoom. TPGS promotes genealogical research and preservation. New members welcome!

Mon. September 8 6:00-7:30 pm Zoom/Blue

Understanding Our MN Bears with Donna “Grizz” Andrews Hear stories and learn how to safely coexist alongside our bear neighbors with tips from bear expert Donna “Grizz” Andrews .

Come prepared to see bears in a new light! Suitable for all ages.

Tues. September 9 5:00-6:30 pm Blue

Hand-printing Tea Towels • Adults & Teens

Print a tea towel! Register and learn more at duluthlibrary.org.

Wed. September 10 6:30-7:30 pm Blue

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

Fri. September 12 3:00-4:00 pm Blue

Searching for the Right Stuff: Knappable Rock • Adults

Stone tools like projectile points and knives, made of silica-rich rock types, were critical to Native American groups in northeastern MN prior to the 1600s. Dr. Susan Mulholland of the Duluth Archeology Center will present on looking for knappable rock in our region.

Mon. September 15 6:30-7:30 pm Blue

Builder’s Club • Grades 2-5

Callling all builders and engineers! Drop by for monthly LEGO building challenges or let your imagination take over and free build.

Tues. September 16 2:00-3:00 pm Blue

Dungeons & Dragons for Teens • Grades 6-12

Meet monthly for guided D&D campaigns at Mount Royal! Reserve your spot and learn more at duluthlibrary.org. Exclusively for teens.

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

Blue

Book Bingo • All Ages

Call bingo and bring home a book! All ages welcome.

Wed. September 24 2:00-3:00 pm

Blue

Explore Vegan • Adults

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

Fri. September 26 10:30 am-12:00 pm Blue

Ojibwe STEM: Wild Rice Sensory Exploration • Grades K-2

Participate in an Ojibwe fall tradition. More details found on page 2.

Fri. September 26 2:30-4:30 pm Blue

Colorful Coiled Baskets with Erika LeMay • All Ages

Learn basic skills and create a small basket. More details on page 2.

Mon. September 29 10:00 am-12:30 pm Blue

Chess Club • All Ages Family Storytime • Birth to Kindergarten + Caregivers

Join us for stories, songs, and fingerplays for children, age birth to kindergarten and caregivers. On break 8/20-9/3. Returns 9/10.

Wednesdays 10:15-10:45 am Alcove

Baby Storytime • Birth to 24 months + Caregivers

Early literacy playtime, stories, and socialization, for babies birth to 24 months and caregivers. On break 8/22-9/5. Returns 9/12.

Fridays 2:30-3:00 pm Alcove

Fall Seed Saving & Exchange • Adults

Learn how to collect and save seeds for a variety of common species. If you are already collecting seeds and would like to share, bring in dry, well-labeled seeds to exchange. Small bags provided.

Thurs. September 11 6:00-7:00 pm Evergreen

Learn the exciting game of chess from experienced players in the Twin Ports Chess Club! Beginners can learn basic rules and strategies; seasoned players can challenge themselves during open play. Meeets monthly. Learn more and register on the library event calendar.

Thurs. September 18 5:00-7:00 pm Evergreen

Colorful Coiled Baskets with Erika LeMay • All Ages

Learn basic skills and create a small basket. More details on page 2.

Fri. September 19 10:00 am-12:30 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. September 19 3:45-4:45 pm Evergreen

Practice reading aloud with therapy dogs who love stories!

Readers will sign up for a 5-10-minute reading slot when they arrive. Bring a book or borrow one of ours. Two sessions.

Mon. September 15 12:00-1:00/3:00-4:00 pm Alcove

Healthy Start to a New School Year • Tweens & Teens Grades 6-12 Drop by to learn about free homework help with the library’s Brainfuse database, which offers live support. Bring your Chromebook from school to get started right away! Back to school care packages for teens will also be available while supplies last.

Wed. September 24 3:30-4:30 pm Alcove

Book Bingo: Lord of the Rings • All Ages

Ojibwe STEM: Wild Rice Preserving • Grades 4-12

Read to a Dog • Grades K-8

Call bingo, win a book! Fun for the whole family. This month’s book bingo theme is Lord of the Rings. All ages welcome.

Tues. September 16 6:00-7:00 pm Evergreen

Participate in an Ojibwe fall tradition. More details found on page 2.

Thurs. September 25 5:30-7:00 pm Evergreen