October Program Guide Duluth Public Library. October 2026. Volume XI, issue IX.
MONTHLY SPOTLIGHT: YOUTH SERVICES REFRESH PR OJECT What You Need to Know: The Children’s Area at the Main Library will be closed starting Monday, November 2, in order for the space to be updated and refreshed. The refresh includes the installation of new furniture and an updated play pace. Youth programs will proceed as scheduled (including Story Times, LEGO® and Builders Clubs, and STEM for Kids), with added playtime sessions in the Michigan Street level meeting rooms. The rest of the library will remain open too! The Children’s Area is expected to reopen in December. Stay tuned for more details – we’ll be sharing updates on the project’s progress via Facebook and Instagram!
LIBRARY HOURS AND LOCATIONS: MAIN LIBRARY Address: 520 West Superior Street.Phone: 218-730-4200. Hours: • • • • • •
Mondays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
MOUNT ROYAL BRANCH LIBRARY Address: 105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle. Phone: 218-730-4290. Hours:
• • • • • •
Mondays, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays, closed.
WEST DULUTH BRANCH LIBRARY Address: 5830 Grand Avenue. Phone: 218-730-4280. Hours: • • • • • •
Mondays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays, closed.
EVENT INFORMATION: Register for events on the library’s online event calendar. For questions and to register by phone, call the following numbers: • Main Library: 218-730-4200 • Mount Royal Branch Library:218-730-4290 • West Duluth Branch Library:218-730-4280 Please note that kids aged 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.govto let us know how library staff can support you to participate fully and comfortably. Thank you to the following organizations for making free library programming possible: Arrowhead Library System, Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment, Duluth Library Foundation, and Friends of the Duluth Public Library.
UPCOMING CLOSURES: All library locations will be closed on Monday, October 12, for Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
OFFSITE AND COMMUNITY EVENTS: Adventure Book Club (For Adults) Friday, October 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at Wheeler Athletic Complex. Join us and the pigs at Yker Acresfarm to discuss Dodge County, Incorporated: Big Ag and the Undoing of Rural America, by Sonja Trom Eayrs. The discussion will be held at the Yker Acres farm and will include a tour of the farm! Participants will meet at Wheeler Athletic Complex and ride together in a Parks shuttle van.Registration is required on the Parks and Recreationwebsite.
Pumpkin Hunt Saturday, October 10, starting at 10:00 a.m., at the Main Library. Presented in partnership with Lake Superior Art Glass and Duluth Library Foundation. This year’s hunt will feature clues associated with banned books, in celebration of National Banned Books Week, October 4-10, 2026. The main hunt is geared towards adults, but a fall-themed treasure box will be available for children to hunt their own mini treasures. Match up clues to the correct banned book to earn your very own handmade glass pumpkin. Get your team together!
The Northland Beckons: Writing in Haiku(For Ages 10 and Up) Saturday, October 17, from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., at the Main Library. Friday, October 23, from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., at the West Duluth Branch Library. Friday, October 23, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., at the Mount Royal Branch Library. Grow your creativity and writing skills in this fun haiku workshop. Writers will learn the structure and form of haiku, its origins in Japanese literature, and how Sandra Hisakuni connects this writing practice to Minnesota’s Northwoods. This program, spon sored by Arrowhead Library System, was funded in part or in whole with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (ACHF). Offered at all library locations in October.
Pumpkin Palooza at Harrison Park(For Kids and Caregivers) Saturday, October 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at 3002 West Third Street. Celebrate Fall with all things pumpkin! Join the library for a storytime geared towards kids ages birth-5, from 10:00-10:30 AM. Then decorate a pumpkin with Duluth Parks and Recreation, who will have everything you need to paint, carve, and create! Limited supply of pumpkins from Whole Foods Co-op are available for those who need one or bring your own. End of Offsite and Community Events.
ONLINE EVENTS: Northland Garden Talk: Forcing Bulbs Indoors for Winter Color Thursday, October 8, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., via Zoom. Fall may bring a beautiful burst of color, but what happens when the leaves are gone? Bring that color indoors by forcing bulbs for winter blooms! Join Master Gardener Sue Kirchner as she shares tips and techniques for growing bulbs indoors, helping you brighten your home during the darker, drabber months of winter. Registration is required to access the zoom meeting ; sign up on the library’sonline event calendar.
Parent/Caregiver TALKS: Routine Thursday, October 8, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., via Zoom. This online series explores topics related to the parenting and caregiving of children ages birth to five. This meeting is all about routine. Registration is required. The presentation will be recorded for later viewing.Sign up on the library’s online event calendar.
Health Literacy with Essentia Health Library Wednesday, October 14, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., via Zoom. For all ages. Learn how to find medical information from reliable sources with the Essentia Health Library. This online presentation will cover where to find trusted health information, pill identifier resources, clinical trials info, and healthy living tips.Access the link to the zoom meeting from the library’sonline event calendar. End of Online events.
STORY TIMES: Family Story Time and Discovery Mondays at the Main Library (No October 12); Story Time from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., in the Gold Room; Play Time from 10:45 to 11:00 a.m., in the Green Room. What will your child discover at the library? Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and movement together to build early learning, listening, and social skills. Then, continue learning through explorative play that builds early STEAM skills, creativity, and curiosity. For children ages birth to PreK and their caregivers (older siblings are welcome too).
Family Story Time Wednesdays at the West Duluth Branch Library and Thursdays at the Mount Royal Branch Library. Both story times from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and movement together to build early learning, listening, and social skills. For children ages birth to PreK and their caregivers.
Baby Story Time Mondays (No October 12)at the Mount Royal Branch Library, from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. Tuesdays at the Mount Royal Branch Library, from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Thursdays at the Main Library, from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Enjoy songs, rhymes, and simple stories followed by time for babies and caregivers to play and socialize. For children ages birth to 24 months and their caregivers.
¡Cuentacuentos! Saturday, October 17, from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., at the Main Library. Ven con tu familia a compartir cuentos, rimas y arte en español. ¡Todos son bienvenidos! Join us for family fun as we share stories, rhymes, and art in Spanish. All are welcome!
Ojibwe Family Storytime Thursday, October 22, from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m., at the West Duluth Branch Library. We welcome Michelle Goose back to the library for a family storytime that features stories songs, and rhymes in Anishinaabemowin, or the Ojibwe Language. End of Story Times.
MAIN LIBRARY EVENTS: Free Open Art Studio (For Grades 6 through 12) Starting October 1, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., inthe Teen Space. Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas—art supplies provided. Presented by Ant Nold. Registration is required on theDuluth Art Institute website, but attending every session is not required. On every Tuesday and Thursday in October, starting on Thursday, Oct. 1.
Egg Carton Ghosts (For Adults) Tuesday, October 6, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., in the Gold Room. Get into the seasonal spirit with a fun, low -key craft that transforms egg cartons into adorable little ghosts and enjoy videos of pets sporting their best Halloween costumes.
Neuro-Diverse Activity Time (For Grades K through 12 and Caregivers) Saturday, October 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in the Green Room.
This sensory-friendly program is flexible, self-paced and self-directed. The space features four different activity zones that promote exploration, movement, social interaction, and taking a break. Caregivers will also have a station to share resources wit h each other and connect. For ease of access, enter through either the Superior Street doors or the lower -level Michigan Street doors.
Monstrous Crafts & Activities (For Grades K through 5) Saturday, October 10, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., in the Green Room. Calling all monsters! Drop by the Main Library to wreak a little havoc in the spirit of the season. Children will be able to play games like “spider ring toss,” and create themed crafts at this event. Costumes are welcome! Kids ages 7 and under must be wit h an adult.
Reframing Aging: Changing the Narrative (For Adults) Saturday, October 10, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., in the Local History Center. Ecolibrium3’s Director of Aging Initiatives, Georgia Lane, discusses common aging myths and how language, media, and assumptions shape attitudes toward older adults. The program includes small-group activities and practical tools for shifting the conversat ions about aging in families, workplaces, and communities.
Family, Friend, and Neighbor Play and Learn (For Birth-PreK and Caregivers) Tuesday, October 13, from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m., in the Green Room. Do you care for the child(ren) of a family member, friend, or neighbor? Join us for a fun -filled morning to play and learn with the little ones you care for. Cameron Herrity of Every Child Ready Duluth will be talking about the importance of routine. Free books, supplies, and snacks. This program is provided in part by the State of Minnesota with the support of the Northland Foundation.
Learn Sashiko with Creativebug (For Ages 14 and up) Tuesday, October 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the Green Room. Discover the beautiful Japanese art of Sashiko, a traditional craft that uses simple running stitches to create stunning geometric patterns on fabric. Participants must be age 14 or older. All supplies provided. Registrationis required on the library’sonline event calendar.
LEGO® Club (For Grades K through 7) Thursday, October 15, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., in the Green Room. For those who love to build! Try out a building challenge or let your imagination guide you.
Teen Anime & Manga Club (For Grades 6 through 12) Thursday, October 15, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., in the Gold Room. Watch anime, discuss manga, create, and play games! Pizza is served while it lasts.
Raptor Center Visit (For All Ages) Friday, October 16, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Learn all about raptors from our friends at the University of Minnesota Raptor Center. There will be live birds at this program, so please plan to be very calm and quiet! Offered at two different times. Registration is requiredon the library’sonline event calendar.
Halloweentown and Crafts (For Grades K through 6) Friday, October 16, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., in the Green Room. Watch the Disney Channel Original Movie, Halloweentown (1998, not rated, 84 minutes), and work on a fun craft while enjoying this classic seasonal film. Kids ages 7 and under must be with an adult.
Builders Club (For Grades K through 7) Tuesday, October 20, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., in the Green Room. For those who love to build with LEGOs and beyond! Try out a building challenge or let your imagination guide you.
Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club (For Adults) Tuesday, October 20, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., in the Gold Room. This month’s discussion is about the Indigenous dark fiction anthology, Never Whistle at Night, edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.
Sarah J. Maas Party (For Adults) Saturday, October 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in the Green Room. Celebrate all things Sarah J. Maas with fellow romantasy fans. Prizes, photos ops, and fun crafting stations included, even featuring a Book Bedazzling station (B -Y-O -book)!
Read to a Dog with Cruz (For Grades K through 8) Saturday, October 24, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., in the Children’s Area. Read aloud to the best listener and sweetest pup, Cruz. Sign up for a reading spot in the Youth Services Area when you arrive. Bring a favorite book of your own or borrow one of ours.
STEM for Kids Series: Spider Web Challenge (For Grades 2 through 5) Tuesday, October 27, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., in the Green Room.
This series is focused on fun and learning through discovery and play. It’s time for some eerie science. Learn about spiders, how they create webs, and build your own spider web and test how much weight they can support. Registration required on the librar y’s online event calendar.
Halloween for Teens (For Grades 6 through 12) Thursday, October 29, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., in the Green Room. Celebrate with halloween-themed crafting, gaming on our Switch, and learn to dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” all while eating lots of candy and pizza. Come in costume!
Mini Monster Mash (For Birth through PreK) Saturday, October 31, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., in the Green Room. Drop in for a ghoulishly good dance party, crafts, and play time. Trick -or-treat around the library any time during or after the program. For children birth -5 and their caregivers, but siblings are welcome to attend too! End of events for the Main Library.
MOUNT ROYAL EVENTS: Read to a Dog with Skyy (For Grades K through 8) Friday, October 2, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., in the Blue Room. Practice reading aloud with Skyy, a registered Alliance therapy dog, who is kind, patient, and a good listener. Sign up for a reading spot when you arrive. Bring a favorite book of your own or borrow one of ours.
Twin Ports Genealogical Society (For Adults) Monday, October 5, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., in the Blue Room. The Twin Ports Genealogical Society promotes general interest in genealogy in the greater Duluth-Superior area, assists in preserving the area’s historical records, and helps individuals with their family research. Topics vary each month.
Mount Royal Book Club (For Adults) Wednesday,October 7, from 3:00-4:00 p.m., in the Blue Room. This book club meets on the first Wednesday of each month to discuss various fiction and non fiction titles. New members are always welcome! This month’s titleWriters is and Lovers, by Lily King.
Crafternoon (For PreK through Grade 5 and Caregivers) Friday, October 9, from 3:00-4:00 p.m., in the Blue Room. Join the Mount Royal staff for a variety of crafts, every month! No experience is needed and all supplies are provided.
Wine Cork Craft (For Adults) Wednesday, October 14, from 6:00-7:30 p.m., in the Blue Room. Create your own pumpkin or candy corn using wine corks to add to your fall decor! Registration is required on the library’s online event calendar.
Beaded Plants (For Grades 6 through 12) Thursday,October 15, from 3:00-4:00 p.m., in the Blue Room. Craft your own beaded ‘forever’ plant that will keep its luster no matter what. All supplies will be provided. Registrationis required on the library’s online event calendar.
KEVA Builders (For Grades 2 through 5) Friday, October 16, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., in the Blue Room. Calling all builders and engineers! Drop by the Blue Room and do some building with KEVA planks. Bring your creative skills and see what kind of structure you can make.
Dungeons & Dragons (For Grades 6 through 12) Wednesday, October 21, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., in the Blue Room. This group of 6-8 players and meets every third Wednesday of the month. All experience levels are welcome. Registrationis required on the library’s online event calendar.
Explore Vegan (For Adults) Friday, October 23, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., in the Blue Room. Find support, resources, and inspiration for your own unique journey and learn how seriously delicious vegan living can be!
Youth Financial Wellness with NCCU(Parents and Caregivers) Wednesday, October 28, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., in the Blue Room. Geared towards parents and guardians, this presentation dives into the vital role that financial education plays in developing healthy financial habits from an early age. End of events for the Mount Royal Branch Library.
WEST DULUTH EVENTS: Blooming Hollyhocks with Naomi Yaeger (For All Ages) Tuesday, October 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Evergreen Conference Room. We welcome local author Naomi Yaeger to share stories from her book Blooming Hollyhocks: Tales of Joy During Hard Times, a narrative nonfiction about her mother’s life in rural Minnesota during the Great Depression. Folk songs and a cornhusk doll craft wil l also be shared.
Family Game Night: Learn How to Play Mahjong (For All Ages) Thursdays, October 8 and 15, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., in the Evergreen Conference Room. Join DPL staffer Loreen Ann Lee for a tutorial on Mahjong. Loreen played this game often with their family during childhood and they are excited to share this tradition with our West Duluth library community. Presented in two parts; registration is required on the library’s online event calendar.
Teen Craft: Vintage Miniature Box (For Grades 6 to 12) Thursday, October 15, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., in the Alcove. Repurpose paper towel rolls to create miniature boxes just big enough to hold a library card. Make your version with vintage paper and mod podge to keep for yourself or give as a gift.
West Duluth Book Club (For Adults) Friday, October 16, from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m., in the Alcove. This book club meets the third Friday of the month and new members are always welcome to join. The group self-selects both fiction and nonfiction to read. Check in with the circulation desk at the West Duluth Branch for the current book of the month!
Escape the Garden for Littles (For Grades K through 5 and Caregivers) Monday, October 19, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m., in the Alcove. Follow the clues and complete a series of different puzzles to solve the Mystery of the Missing Carrots, before the clock counts down! Offered at various times slots during the indicated time slot; registrationis required on the library’s online event calendar.
Book Bingo: Halloween Theme (For All Ages) Tuesday, October 20, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., in the Evergreen Senior Center. In a twist on the classic game, bingo numbers get replaced with images, book covers and other themes. You don’t have to be able to read to play. Win cool books just by playing. Show up in costume to get an extra door prize ticket!
Shibui: Finding Beauty in Aging (For Adults) Thursday, October 22, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., in the Evergreen Senior Center. Craft meditation cards from Sanae Ishida’s 2025 book Shibui: The Japanese Art of Finding Beauty in Aging. Shibui can mean many things, but the author reflects on her own aging and affirms that some kinds of beauty can only be revealed with time.
Crop Art: Learn and Make (For Adults) Thursday, October 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the Evergreen Senior Center. Learn how to get started making crop art from local crop artist Katherine Erickson. Supplies are limited, registrationis required on the library’s online event calendar. End of events for West Duluth and the October Program Guide.