Celebrate the Icelandic tradition of a “holiday book flood” with the Duluth Public Library and The Depot!
Saturday, December 21
10:00 am—3:00 pm The Depot (506 W Michigan St.)
LEARN MORE
520 W. Superior St. 218-730-4200
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
105 Mt. Royal Shopping Cir. 218-730-4290 5830 Grand Ave. 218-730-4280
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
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 CLOSED
Event Information
For additional information and to register online: duluthlibrary.events.mylibrary.digital/
For questions and to register by phone:
Main Library programs: 218-730-4200
Mount Royal Branch programs: 218-730-4290
West Duluth Branch programs: 218-730-4280
Please note that all children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
For questions about accessibility, contact webmail@duluthmn.gov.
Follow the QR code to learn more and register for programs
OUT AND ABOUT
Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club:
Christmas and Other Horrors: A Winter Solstice Anthology
Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club meets monthly to discuss compelling titles within this genre, which features very real, human stories. New members are always welcome! December’s selected title is Christmas and Other Horrors: A Winter Solstice Anthology; this chilling anthology of 18 original short stories explores the endless terrors of winter solstice traditions across the globe.
Studio Café 102 W. Superior Street
Thurs. December 12 6:00-8:00 pm
Jólabókaflód: The Holiday Book Flood
Free library programming made possible by:
All DPL locations CLOSED :
Tuesday, December 24 • Christmas Eve
Wednesday, December 25 • Christmas Day
Wednesday, January 1 • New Years Day
Friends of the Duluth Public Library
HOLIDAY BOOK SALE
Proceeds from the sale support free library events for the community.
Tuesday, December 3
10 am—4:30 pm
Wednesday, December 4
10 am 7:30 pm
Thursday, December 5
10 am 2 pm
Celebrate the Icelandic tradition of a ‘holiday book flood’ with the Duluth Public Library and The Depot! The day’s festivities include cultural and musical performances, crafts, free books, and lefse and coffee for purchase. All ages are welcome.
The Depot 506 W. Michigan Street
Sat. December 21 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Jólabókaflód Schedule of Events
10:30 am
“Solstice Science” presented by Bob “Astro Bob” King
11:30 am
Scandinavian Folk Tunes with Kelly Smith
1:00 pm
“Nordic Holiday Traditions” presented by the Nordic Center
Enjoy the following all day:
Michelle’s Lefse Food Truck • Underwood Coffee
Gnome Craft for Kids • Free Books from the Friends of the Duluth Public Library and Gabriel’s Bookstore Book-wrapping station • Comfy spots to read and be cozy on the shortest day of the year!
does
Jólabókaflód
mean? (And how do I say it?)
Jólabókaflód (yo-la-bow-ka-flowed) is an Icelandic word that roughly translates to holiday book flood. It is a winter tradition that dates back to the 1940s and World War II. While many commodities were rationed and hard to find during the war, paper remained unrationed and readily available. Thus, books were also available and among the few gifts for people to share during the winter holidays.
Today, Icelanders continue to exchange the gift of books with and as the tradition goes, after gifts are exchanged, all go off to read their new books into the wee hours of night while sipping hot chocolate or a traditional holiday drink called jólabland. Borne of difficult circumstances, Jólabókaflód has become a beloved winter tradition in Iceland and beyond!
STORYTIMES
Family Storytime & Discovery • Birth to Pre-K
Start the morning with stories, songs, and movement, then, keep learning through explorative play that builds early STEAM skills, creativity, and curiosity. Storytime: 10:15 STEAM: 10:45 Wednesdays 10:15-11:30 am Gold
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
Musical Story Hour • Birth to Pre-K
Join the Music Together® in the Valley program for a storytime that builds early learning skills through music, movement, and play, with your children, ages birth to 5. For more information about the Music Together® program, visit musictogetherclasses.org.
Fri. December 6 10:15-11:00 am Green
JUST FOR TWEENS & TEENS
Gaming in the Teen Space • Grades 6-12
Stop by the Teen Space for some gaming! Play the Nintendo Switch, board games, and more. Snacks while they last!
Tues. December 10 4:00-7:00 pm Teen Space
Crafting in the Teen Space • Grades 6-12
Come to the Teen Space on the Superior Street level to do crafts. Different crafts will be available at each meeting. Snacks will while quantities last! Email craft ideas to webmail@duluthmn.gov.
Tues. December 17 4:00-7:00 pm Green
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. December 19 4:00-6:00 pm Green
KIDS & THEIR CAREGIVERS
Will it Float? • Grades 2-5
What makes something float? We will conduct hands-on experiments and have a challenge to see who can build the most supportive boat that stays afloat. Recommended for kids in grades 2–5. Please register on the library event calendar to save your spot!
Tues. December 10 4:30-5:30 pm Green
LEGO® Club • Ages 5 and Older
For those who love to build, featuring classic LEGO® fun. All sessions have a theme and various challenges—builders can take on a themed project or just free build, letting their imaginations guide their creations. Geared to kids ages 5 and up!
Thurs. December 12 4:00-6:00 pm Green
Noon Year’s Eve • Birth to Grade 2
Kids in second grade and younger are invited to celebrate the New Year at noon instead of midnight! Drop in anytime for a dance party, crafts, snacks, games, noise makers, and a noon countdown to a shower of balloons.
Tues. December 31 10:00 am-12:00 pm Green
FOR KIDS FOR CRAFTERS
Movie and a Craft: Christmas with the Kranks • All Ages
Are you working on handmade gifts for the holidays? Bring your project to work on during a showing of the holiday comedy, Christmas with the Kranks (rated PG, 2004, 98 minutes). Crafts will not be provided for this program; this is your time to bring in your own project for dedicated work time and holiday humor! Thurs. December 5 5:30-8:00 pm Green
Play & Learn for Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care Providers
Are you caring for the children of a family member, friend, or neighbor? Join us for a fun-filled morning of reading, singing, and playing together with the little ones in your care. Meet other care providers and learn about how you can support skill-building and learning. All participants will receive free books, supplies, and snacks. Both children and their caregivers are welcome!
Mon. December 16 10:00-11:30 am Green
SATURDAY AT THE LIBRARY
The Minnesota Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker, A Duluth Tale
Enjoy a sneak peek of the Minnesota Ballet’s Duluth twist on the classic ballet, The Nutcracker. Watch a short performance and participate in a mini ballet class! All ages are welcome. Space is limited—please register on the library event calendar.
Sat. December 7 1:30-2:30 pm Green
Wiggles for Littles • Birth to Kindergarten
Space to play for children, from birth to kindergarten, during the winter months! We will start with storytime in the Green Room, followed by wiggle time in the Gold Room. There will be activities for running, skipping, throwing, hopping, rolling, climbing, crawling, and dancing.
Sat. December 14 10:15-11:30 am Green
Read to a Dog • Elementary Age to Teen
Kids can practice their reading with Cruz the dog! Cruz loves to cuddle up and hear kids read him their favorite stories. Each child will sign up for a 10-minute reading slot when they arrive. Borrow a library book or bring your own.
Sat. December 14 2:00-3:00 pm Green
DIY Winter Décor & Gifts • Adults
Get crafty with your holiday gifts and décor! Join Mt. Royal Staff and create festive décor for the winter season along with gifts to be given to family and friends! Suitable for adults and teens. Mon. December 2 6:30-7:30 pm Blue
Baby Storytime • Birth to 24 months NEW Afternoon Sessions
Join us for a brief storytime or babies birth age to 24 months, then stay for some early literacy playtime and socialization. Tuesdays 10:15-10:45 am/2:30-3:00 pm Blue
Mt. Royal Book Club: The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
Monsieur Perdu can prescribe the perfect book for a broken heart. But can he fix his own? The group meets monthly to discuss fiction and nonfiction titles. New members are always welcome! Visit duluthlibrary.org for more information.
Wed. December 4 3:00-4:00 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. Please note: Family Storytime on Thursday, December 5 will be a special Musical Storytime with Music Together in the Valley. Thursdays 10:15-10:45 am Blue
Friends of the Duluth Public Library Holiday Book Sale
Family Storytime • Birth to Kindergarten
Crafternoon • Pre-K to Grade 5
Join Mt. Royal staff for a variety of crafts. No experience necessary. Supplies are provided. Best suited for Pre-K—Grade 5.
Fri. December 6 3:00-4:00 pm Blue
STEAM Club • Ages 8-12 & Families
Calling all scientists! Explore the wonder of the natural world, build amazing inventions and solve problems using Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM). Activities provided by the Bell Museum and designed to encourage families to explore science together. No registration needed.
Fri. December 13 3:00-4:00 pm Blue
Read to a Dog with Dooley! • Kids and Tweens
Dooley is a registered Pet Partners™ therapy dog and loves to be read to! Reading spots with Dooley are assigned on a first-comefirst-served basis. For kids and tweens.
Tues. December 17 3:30-4:30 pm Blue
Teen Dungeons & Dragons Series • Teens
It’s all fun and games until someone rolls a 1... Become heroes of a fantastical world in a guided D&D campaign. For teens only! Space is limited so registration is required.
Wed. December 18 4:00-6:00 pm Blue
Tuesday, December 3—Thursday, December 5
More details found on page 2 of this guide
Join us each Wednesday morning for stories, songs, and fingerplays for children from birth to kindergarten and their grown-ups. Please note: Family Storytime on Wednesday, December 4 will be a special Musical Storytime with Music Together in the Valley.
Wednesdays 10:15-10:45 am Alcove
Baby Storytime • Birth to 24 months
Join us for a brief storytime ideal for babies birth age to 24 months, then stay for some early literacy playtime and socialization.
Fridays 2:30-3:00 pm Alcove
Recycled Map Luminary Craft • Upper Elementary through Adults
Light up the darkest nights of the year with a glowing luminary crafted from recycled maps! This craft requires precise measuring and cutting skills. Kids under 13 should be accompanied by an adult who can assist them if needed. All supplies provided, including a battery-powered tea light! Registration required.
Fri. December 13 3:45-4:45 pm Evergreen
Fol-
Book Bingo • All Ages
Never judge a book by its cover...unless you’re playing Book Bingo! In a twist on a classic game, bingo numbers get replaced with book covers. Win cool books just by playing! Fun for the whole family.
Tues. December 17 6:00-7:00 pm Evergreen
Chess Club Series • All Ages
Learn the basics of chess, then put your knowledge into action. Supplies provided; bring your own board if you like. Registration is suggested but not required. All ages and skill levels welcome. Thurs. December 19 5:00-7:00 pm Evergreen
West Duluth Book Club • Adults
Members select both fiction and nonfiction titles. The group meets monthly and all are welcome! If you are interested in joining, just ask for future titles at the West Duluth Branch circulation desk.
