December Program Guide Duluth Public Library.December 2026. Volume XI, issue XII.
MONTHLY SPOTLIGHT: Jólabókaflóðið 2026: Beware the Yule Cat! Cats, coffee, and community! Learn more what theYule Cat means for this year’s Jóla celebration later in this program guide. Artworkby Clara Wodny.
WINTER READING 2026 THROUGH 2027 IS ON THE WAY! Find more details at theend of this guide.
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: Christmas (Two-day Closure): All library locations will be closed Thursday and Friday, December 24 through 25, for Christmas. The Main Library will be open on Saturday, December 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
New Year’s Eve(Early Closure): All library locations will close at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 31, for New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Day(All-day Closure): All library locations will be closed Friday, January 1, 2027, for New Year’s Day. The Main Library will be open on Saturday, January 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
COMMUNITY EVENTS: Music Then and Now: A Solo String Concert with Sara Pajunen(For All Ages) Saturday,December 5, from 1:00 to 1:50p.m., at the Main Library. Wednesday, December 9, from 6:00 to 6:50 p.m., at the Mount Royal Branch Library. Thursday,December 17,from 6:00 to 6:50 p.m., at the West Duluth Branch Library . For all ages. Join Sara Pajunen on a tour of classical, folk, and original music on violin and hardanger d'amore, a ten-string bow instrument. This concert showcases Sara's musical repertoire and original compositions, inspired by travels abroad and grounded in her chil dhood on the Iron Range. This program, sponsored by Arrowhead Library System, was funded in part or in whole with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (ACHF).
Teen Craft Sale at The Depot (For All Ages) Saturday,December 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m., at The Depot. Support local teen artisans and creators by purchasing a handmade itemjust in time for the gifting season. Presented in partnership with Duluth Workforce Development and Youth
Employment Services. Cash and electronic payment options available.Crafted wares include fiber arts, drawings, fishing lures, jewelry, keychains, slime, stationery, and -printed 3d goods.
JÓLA AT THE DEPOT 2026: Beware the Yule Cat! Saturday, December 19, from 10:00 a.m.to 1:00 p.m., at The Depot. Join us for Jólabókaflóðið, an Icelandic tradition of exchanging books and reading together during the winter season. This year’s theme, “Beware the Yule Cat,” invokes a gigantic cat from Icelandic folklore and a cautionary tale about winter weather preparedness . This fierce feline serves as a reminder to help our neighbors and ensure that everyone has warm winterwear to last the cold season! Honorthe Yule Cat by bringing new mittens, gloves, and socks to be donated to CHUM. The day’s festivities also include: • • • • • •
Free books, cocoa, and crafting! Adoptable cats and coffee courtesy of Wired Whisker! Story time for the kids! Nordic winter tunes from Project: Constellation! Bjorn Killerud from the Nordic Center presenting Nordic winter stories. One folkloric feline of astonishing size…
Come celebrate the joy of books, the magic of winter, and the traditions that bring us together. All ages welcome—just keep an eye out for the Yule Cat!
ONLINE EVENTS: Parent/Caregiver TALKS: Healthy Eating and Picky Eaters Tuesday, December 15, 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. Kelly Bruels, from Saint Louis County Public Health, joins us to discussnutrition for young children and how to handle picky eaters. Registration is required. The presentation will be recorded for later viewing. Sign up on the library’sonline event calendar.
STORY TIMES: Family Story Time and Extended Discovery Mondays at the Main Library; Story Time from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., in the Gold Room; Discovery Time from 10:45a.m. to 1:00 p.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 curios ity. For children ages birth to PreK and their caregivers (older siblings are welcome too).Please note that there will be no story time December 21, 2026, through January 1, 2027.
Family Story Time Wednesdays at the West Duluth Branch Library , from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Thursdays at the Mount Royal Branch Library , 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.Please note that there will be no story times December 21, 2026, through January 1, 2027.
Baby Story Time Mondays 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. Fridays at the West Duluth Branch Library, from 2:30 to 3:00 p.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.Please note that there will be no story times December 21, 2026, through January 1, 2027.
Ojibwe Family Story Time Tuesday,December 15, from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m., at the Mount Royal Branch Library. We welcome Michelle Goose back to the library for a family story time that features stories, songs, and rhymes in Anishinaabemowin, or the Ojibwe Language.
Musical Story Hour (All Locations!) Wednesday, December 16, from 10:15 to 11:00 a.m., at the West Duluth Branch Library. Thursday, December 17 , from 10:15 to 11:00 a.m., at the Mount Royal Branch Library . Friday, December 18, from 10:15 to 11:00 a.m., at the Main Library. Join the Music Together® in the Valley program for a story time that builds early learning skills through music, movement, and play, with your children, ages birth to. 5 End of Story Times.
MAIN LIBRARY EVENTS: Lake Superior Zoomobile (For All Youth and Caregivers) Saturday, December 5, from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. and 11:15 -11:45 a.m., at the Main Library. Join us to welcome our favorite animal caretakers, the Lake Superior Zoomobile crew, as they teach us more about the animals they care for. Offered at two times and space is limited; registration is required on the library’sonline event calendar.
Read to a Dog with Cruz (For Grades K through 8) Saturday,December 5, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., in theYouth Services Area. Read aloud to the best listener and sweetest pup, Cruz. Sign up for a reading spot when you arrive. Bring a favorite book of your own or borrow one of ours.
Family, Friend, and Neighbor Play and Learn (For Birththrough PreK and Caregivers) Tuesday,December 8, 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. Free books, supplies, and snacks. This month’s topic is healthy eating and picky eaters.This program is provided in part by the State of Minnesota with the support of the Northland Foundation.
STEM for Kids Series: Gingerbread House STEM Challenge (For Grades 2 through 5) Tuesday, December 8, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., in the Green Room. For grades 2-5. This series is focused on learning through discovery and play. Can you build a gingerbread house sturdy enough to survive high winds or an earthquake? Each house must contain a few key elements and then you get to be as creative with youresign d from there. Registration requiredon the library’sonline event calendar.
Learn to Play Wingspan (For Adults) Tuesday, December 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the Gold Room. Wingspan is a competitive card-driven board game. Play as a bird enthusiast and attract the best birds to your network of wildlife preserves. Other games will be available too. Registration is required to reserve your spot for Wingspan.
Craft and a Movie (For Adults) Thursday,December 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the Green Room.
Watch Tim Burton’sThe Nightmare Before Christmasand craft Nightmare-inspired earrings with perler beads.
Wiggles for Littles (For Kids and Caregivers) Saturday,December 12, from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m., in the Green and Gold Rooms. Bring your little ones to get those cold-weather wiggles out!Enjoy story time in the Gold Room and stay for open play time in the Green Room, including activities for all kinds of movement .
Comedy Magic Show with Brodini!(For Kids and Caregivers) Saturday,December 12, from 1:00 to 1:50 p .m., in the Green Room. For families, kids and their caregivers. We have invited our favorite magician, Brodini, to help us celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of our newly refreshed Youth Space! Join us in the Green Room for Brodini's fun comedy magic show at 1:00 p.m. Afterward, odini Br will be in the new Children's Area, available for pictures and to talk magic with any interested fans.
Superior: A 50-Year Photographic Journey with Craig Blacklock (For Adults) Saturday, December 12, from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m., in the Green Room. Acclaimed photographer Craig Blacklock hosts a visual tour around the shores and islands of Lake Superior, with images from his new book, Superior: A 50-Year Photographic Journey. Signed copies will be available for purchase.
LEGO® Club (For Grades K through 7) Tuesday,December 15, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., in the Green Room. For those who love to build! Try out a building challenge or let your imagination guide you.
Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club (For Adults) Tuesday,December 15, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., in the Gold Room. This book club meets monthly to discuss compelling titles within this genre, which often contain very real, human stories. New members are always welcome. This month's discussion is Snow on Crash, by Neal Stephenson.
Crafts and Gaming (For Grades 6 through 12) Tuesday,December 15, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., in the Teen Space. Meet monthly to create, play, and game! A simple and fun craft is provided, with the Nintendo Switch and various board games also available.
Teen Anime & Manga Club (For Grades 6 through 12) Thursday,December 17, 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.
Builders Club (For Grades K through 7) Tuesday,December 29, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., in the Green Room. The Denfeld Robotics Teamwill host this month’s meetup.Participants will build a small robot called a 'scribblebot,' that will move around and draw on its own! Kids will work with Denfeld Robotics Team Members to construct and wire their robot and then decorate it however they like.
Noon Years Eve (For Kids and Caregivers ) Thursday, December 31, from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., in the Gold Room. Celebrate the new year with dancing, bubbles, crafts and more. The count down to the Noon Year’s balloon drop starts at 11:59 AM near the Superior Street entrance. Activities are geared towards kids ages birth to grade 2 and caregivers, but families and kids of all ages are welcome! End of events for the Main Library.
MOUNT ROYAL EVENTS: Mount Royal Book Club (For Adults) Wednesday, December 2, from 3:00 to 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 titleLessons is in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.
Building Financial Confidence with NCCU (For Adults and Teens) Wednesday, December 2, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the Blue Room. Explore your relationship with money and learn how to make informed decisions based on your own values. Topics include “Money Personalities,” exploring and reframing money beliefs, setting goals, and actionable steps to take for a protected financial futur e.
Read to a Dog with Skyy (For Grades K through 8) Wednesday, December 6, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., in the Blue Room. Read aloud to Skyy, a registered Alliance therapy dog. Skyy 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.
Crafternoon (For PreK through Grade 5 and Caregivers) Friday, December 11, 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.
Puzzle and Game Swap (For All Ages) Monday, December 14, from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m., in the Blue Room. Donations of new orgently used puzzles will be accepted until Friday, December 11. Take home a new-to-you game from the swap and help promote sustainable fun!
Dungeons and Dragons (For Grades 6 through 12) Wednesday,December 16, from 4:00 to 6:00 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. Registration is required on the library’s online event calendar.
Explore Vegan (For Adults) Friday, December 18, from 10:30 to 11:30.m., a in the Blue Room. Find support, resources, and inspiration for your own unique journey and learn how seriously delicious vegan living can be!
Builder’s Club (For Grades 2 through 5) Friday, December 18, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., in the Blue Room. Calling all builders and engineers! Join us in the Blue Room for LEGO building challenge. Drop in to find out and participate in this month's challenge! End of events for the Mount Royal Branch Library.
WEST DULUTH EVENTS: Christmas Tree Creations (For All Ages) Tuesday, December 1, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., in the Evergreen Senior Center. West Duluth staff will share the secrets behind their signature paper tree decorations. Drop in; best suited for ages 14 and up.
Family Craft Night (For Kids and Caregivers ) Thursday, December 10, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., in the Alcove. The project for this month isPOP -UP HOLIDAY CARDS. All supplies and tools provided. Take home your craft!
West Duluth Book Club (For Adults) Friday, December 18, from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m., in the Alcove.
This book club meets on 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! End of events for the West DuluthBranch Library.
WINTER READING PROGRAM 2026-27: Winter Reading Challenge (For All Ages) Saturday, December 19, 2026, through Sunday, February 28, 2027. Books and prizes for all ages; bingo for youth. Download the Beanstack App, or bookmark the page on our website. End of the December Program Guide.