April/May 2026 – Newsletter
The Teacher is In: Adult Education Office Hours
9:30 am-5:00 pm, during dates listed below
Reoccurring Weekly Events
For adults, Library Archives Room
Visit with Deann about completing your GED, gaining basic computer skills, increasing reading, writing, and math abilities, improving your English language skills, preparing for college, and more.
- Wednesday, April 8
- Monday, April 13
- Monday, April 20
- Monday, April 27
- Wednesday, May 6
- Monday, May 11
- Monday, May 18
Storytime
Wednesdays, 10:30-11:00 am
For children and their caregivers, Children's Area
Enjoy a few stories and a craft or activity.
Game Day for Adults with Community Partners
Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00 pm
For adults, Library Meeting Room
Chess, cribbage, cards, and more! Adults are invited to a drop-in game afternoon. Light refreshments will be provided.
April 1-3
Open Studio
Friday, April 3, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
For ages 10 and up, Library Meeting Room
Join Two Harbors Public Library Artist in Residence Eric Klepinger in open art studio hours. Continue working on your project from a previous session or bring a creative project to work on. This program is drop-in and registration is not required. This program is sponsored by the Two Harbors Area Fund.
April 6-10
The One Book Northland 2026 community read is Where They Last Saw Her by Minnesota author Marcie R. Rendon. Area libraries and bookstores will host events for the community to learn, discuss, and connect including an author visit by Rendon on Thursday, April 16 at 6:30 pm at Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College. Keep reading for more Two Harbors Public Library One Book Northland events.
One Book Northland: Book Discussion
Tuesday, April 7, 6:00-6:45 pm
For adults, Library Meeting Room
Join us in discussion surrounding the 2026 One Book Northland selection, Where They Last Saw Her by Marcie R. Rendon. Limited copies of the book will be available at the library's front desk beginning March 2, complements of the Friends of the Two Harbors Public Library.
Author Talk: Naomi Yaeger
Friday, April 10, 10:00 am-11:00 am
For all ages, Library Meeting Room
Author and Duluth journalist Naomi Yaeger presents Blooming Hollyhocks: Tales of Joy During Hard Times. Written in the style of narrative nonfiction with the intimacy of memoir, the book tells the true story of young Janette Minehart, growing up in Minnesota during the Great Depression and World War II. Naomi’s husband, Terry, will bring the spirit of the era to life with American folk favorites on banjo. Period photos and maps will also be shared. Naomi will tell stories and read aloud from her book about children attending a one-room schoolhouse. There will be coloring pages for all ages, stories about children's chores, trivia about the U.S. and the Midwest, banjo playing and singing, some Great Depression treats, and some book swag. Q&A to follow. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
April 13-17
Afternoon Book Circle
Monday, April 13, 2:00-3:00 pm
For adults, Library Meeting Room
This month we will discuss Under a Flaming Sky: The Great Hinckley Firestorm of 1894, by Daniel James Brown. Limited copies are available at the front desk.
One Book Northland: Walk and Talk Book Discussion
Tuesday, April 14, 12:00–1:00 pm
For adults, Library patio (alternate location: Library Meeting Room)
Join us on a gentle walk (or roll) and book talk, from Two Harbors Public Library to Agate Bay. We will discussing the One Book Northland book Where They Last Saw Her by Marcie R. Rendon. The path is 1.5 miles round-trip on mostly flat terrain. Please meet on the library patio. Limited copies of the book will be available at the library's front desk beginning March 2, complements of the Friends of the Two Harbors Public Library.
One Book Northland: Trail Safety 101 with the Superior Hiking Trail and Friends of the Superior National Forest
Thursday, April 16, 1:00-2:00 pm
For adults, Library Meeting Room
Have you ever wanted to spent a day (or, gulp, a night) on a remote trail or at a backcountry campsite, but your nerves held you back? The experience can be rewarding and safe if you take some easy precautions. Join Barbara Budd from the Superior Hiking Trail Association and Jo Swanson from Friends of the Superior National Forest to learn how to stay safe on our local trails and public lands.
Short and Sweet Bookclub
Thursday, April 16, 6:00-6:45 pm
For adults, Library Meeting Room
This month we are reading “Movie vs. Reality: The Real Story of the Von Trapp Family,” by Joan Gearin. Copies are available at the front desk.
Mini Canvas Art
Friday, April 17, 2:00-3:30 pm
For ages 8-18, Library Meeting Room
Use acrylic paints to create a lil’ masterpiece! Participants will be able to paint on two 4x4 inch canvases and take home a mini-easel to display their creations. Pre-registration required; register by emailing us at thpl@alslib.info or stopping by the library's front desk.
National Library Week, April 20-24
“National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.” (ala.org) This year’s theme is “Find Your Joy.” Join us as we have goodies at the front desk April 20-24, sponsored by the Friends of the Public Library. Visit the Friends of the Library table and you can become a member or renew your membership. New, renewing, or lifetime members receive Book Bucks toward any Friends Book Sale.
MONDAY: Get a free Hershey's Kiss if you show us a romance book!
TUESDAY: Get an origami bookmark if you check out a graphic novel!
WEDNESDAY: We love our patrons berry much! Get a snack if you tell us "Happy Library Week."
THURSDAY: Sign a thank you card for the Two Harbors City Council and Lake County Commissioners for their support of the Two Harbors Public Library. Get a reading list bookmark if you return an item to the front desk!
FRIDAY: Get a free sticker if you check out a book or DVD with a "new" sticker!
Sponsored by the Friends of the Two Harbors Public Library.
Tonies - Audio Player
Ready to start your Tonie adventure? We are happy to announce our Tonie Collection is ready for check out! The Toniebox is a soft, screen-free speaker for children. Using magnetic figurines called Tonies, children can navigate storytelling, music, and guided activities independently. Choose up to 6 Tonie characters or sets and 1 Toniebox Kit with a Listen and Play bag, TonieBox 2, and USB-C Charger. This collection was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Lawrence E. and Mabel Jackson Rudberg Scholarship Fund. View our entire collection in our catalog: https://tinyurl.com/thpltonies
April 20-24
Library Accessibility Community Conversation
Monday, April 20, 2:00-3:00 pm
For all ages, Library Meeting Room
Our library strives to be accessible and open for all patrons. Please join us in a community listening session and conversation focused on how we can better serve patrons with blindness and visual impairment. Light refreshments will be provided.
Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library Open House
Tuesday, April 21, 2:00-3:00 pm
For all ages, Library Meeting Room
The Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library provides free library services for Minnesotans who are blind, have low vision, or have difficulty reading printed materials because of a visual, physical, or reading disability. Hear about available library services including audio books and magazines, braille, large print, and descriptive DVDs, as well as downloadable materials through the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service. This program is presented by Susan Lubbers, Public Services and Outreach Librarian with Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library.
Books and Brews
Tuesday, April 21, 6:00-8:00 pm
For adults, Castle Danger Brewery Taproom
Book lovers will gather in the taproom and discuss what we’re reading. Castle Danger will give you $1 off your first drink if you show them your book on Books and Brews night.
Lighthouse Center for Vital Living Open House
Thursday, April 23, 2:00-3:00 pm
For all ages, Library Meeting Room
Lighthouse Center for Vital Living is committed to helping individuals of all ages in Northern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin who face challenges related to disability or aging. They provide a range of services, including specialized training and occupational therapy, to empower those we serve to lead confident, independent, and fulfilling lives. By leveraging the power of technology, they also help people build the skills and tools they need to overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and actively engage in their communities. Learn more about their services and available assistive technology devices from Occupational Therapist Sam Scheel.
We Are All Storytellers with Author Margi Preus
Thursday, April 23, 2:00-3:00 pm
For all ages, Minnehaha Elementary School
If interested in attending, please enter and sign in at the main entrance, Door 3 on 4th Avenue.
Join Minnesota Author Margi Preus for a dynamic and interactive presentation sure to inspire young writers. Attendees will learn the stories behind the stories, participate in a group storytelling activity, and gain plenty of writing tips. Margi’s visit will teach that we are all storytellers and we have a story to tell. Margi Preus is an award-winning author from Duluth. 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).
One Book Northland:
Weaving Webs of Care with Dr. Alex Iantaffi
Thursday, April 23, 5:30-7:00 pm
For adults, Library Meeting Room
In Where They Last Saw Her, we see the struggle to balance self care and community care. Many of us are struggling right now as we juggle survival under late-stage capitalism, taking care of ourselves, our loved ones, and showing up in and for our communities in the middle of this polycrisis. Join Dr Alex Iantaffi for an interactive book experience based on one of their books, "Hell Yeah Self-care: a Trauma Informed Workbook," to create your own personal map to balancing self and community care in 2026.
Mail-A-Book Open House
Friday, April 24, 2:00-3:00 pm
For all ages, Library Meeting Room
Mail-A-Book is an Arrowhead Library System service with a designated collection of books and audio-visual materials that can be ordered by and mailed to qualified patrons at no cost to them. This tax-supported service is provided to rural residents, those who live in a city without a public library, and homebound residents throughout the Arrowhead Library System’s region. Learn more about the program from Mail-A-Book staff, pick up a catalog, and learn how you or your loved one can find the next great read.
April 27-May 1
Disaster Preparedness with Justice North
Tuesday, April 28, 12:00-1:00 pm
For adults, Library Meeting Room
Disasters don't just damage property — they disrupt lives, livelihoods, and legal stability. From housing disputes and insurance claims to guardianship issues and access to benefits, civil legal needs surge in the aftermath of disasters. This session will explore how civil legal services can help you and your community prepare for and recover from emergencies of any scale, from apartment fires to severe weather events.
Poetry and Printmaking with Shelley Getten
Tuesday, April 28, 3:30-4:30 pm
For ages 8 and up, Library Meeting Room
Join Shelley Getten for poetry and printmaking art as she shares the challenges and joys of growing up on a Minnesota farm. As Getten reads from her book, Of Cows and Crows, she will discuss how the creative writing process can bring insight and healing. Getten will demonstrate block art printmaking so attendees can watch and learn about making original relief art. Bookmarks will be shared with audience members to take home. 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).
Friends of the Two Harbors Library Annual Meeting
Thursday, April 30, 5:30-7:00 pm
For adults, Library Meeting Room
The Friends will have their annual meeting.
May 4-8
Armory Arts and Music Center:
Preserving More than a Building
Thursday, May 7, 12:00-1:00 pm
For adults, Library Meeting Room
May is National Preservation Month and you are invited to come and celebrate the efforts of The Armory Arts and Music Center in the restoration of the Historic Duluth Armory. This presentation will give you a behind the scenes exploration into the work being done, plans for the future and the amazing 110 years of history oozing from the walls of the incredible building. Placed on the Registry of Historic Places in 2012, the Armory has stories to tell. Participants will see artifacts found in the space, hear of the heroic military contributions and be immersed in the music of days gone by. This is your unique opportunity to experience a piece of American history that has roots right here on the North Shore. This program is presented by Armory Arts and Music Center Executive Director Michelle Miller.
3Doodler: Make Your Own Flower Bouquet!
Friday, May 8, 2:00-2:30 pm OR 2:30-3:00 pm
For ages 8 and up, Library Meeting Room
Use a 3D printing pen to create flowers! Pre-registration required; register by emailing us at thpl@alslib.info or stopping by the library's front desk.
May 11-15
Count Week Volunteers Needed
We need volunteers to count people coming in the library. We have hour-long slots available from May 11-15. Sign up at the front desk or online via our website by May 8.
Afternoon Book Circle
Monday, May 11, 2:00-3:00 pm
For adults, Library Meeting Room
This month we will discuss Three Days in June by Anne Tyler. Limited copies are available at the front desk.
Artist in Residence Closing Reception
Friday, May 15, 1:00-3:00 pm
For all ages, Library Meeting Room
Join inaugural Two Harbors Public Library Artist in Residence Eric Klepinger in a closing reception for the residency. Enjoy conversation, comraderie, and the unveiling of his new painting, commissioned by the Friends of the Two Harbors Public Library. Program participants are invited to share the work they have created throughout the residency, including take-and-make creations. Refreshments provided. This program is sponsored by the Two Harbors Area Fund.
May 18-22
Friends May Book Sale, May 21-23
Aspirus Lake View Hospital,
Conference Room, 325 11th Ave, Two Harbors
Thursday, May 21, 8:00 am-10:00 am – Members Only
Thursday, May 21, 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Friday, May 22, 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Saturday, May 23, 10:00 am-3:00 pm – $7 Bag Sale (2nd bag for $3)
Books and Brews
Tuesday, May 19, 6:00-8:00 pm
For adults, Castle Danger Brewery Taproom
Book lovers will gather the third Tuesday of the month in the taproom and discuss what we’re reading. Castle Danger will give you $1 off your first drink if you show them your book on Books and Brews night.
Short and Sweet Bookclub
Thursday, May 21, 6:00-6:45 pm
For adults, Library Meeting Room
This month we are reading excerpts from The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair. Copies are available at the front desk.
Mini Bottle Craft
Friday, May 22, 2:00-3:00 pm
For ages 8-18, Library Meeting Room
Fill your wee bottles with treasures, and more! Pre-registration required; register by emailing us at thpl@alslib.info or stopping by the library's front desk.
May 25-29
The library is closed Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Did you know that reading to children is one of the most powerful ways to boost their brain power? Sharing books helps children understand the sounds letters make, develop a bigger vocabulary, and build background knowledge—all important skills that help prepare your child prepare for kindergarten.
Two Harbors Public Library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a fun, exciting, and free way to start your child on the path to success! Children aged 0-5 can earn prizes along their reading journey complements of the Friends of the Two Harbors Public Library. Learn more at the front desk.
Read Box
What's that new thing on top of our DVD shelf? The library's Really Exciting Art Distribution (READ) Box! All items are graciously made and donated by our community. Stop by to check out the stock, help yourself to a gift, or leave something for another patron!
New Additions to the Collection to Support Juvenile Literacy
Board Books
Notice anything new? We have increased the amount of board books in our collection by 50%! The new influx was selected with early literacy milestones in mind: books for tummy time, tactile exploration, simple speech books, baby sign language, pictures of babies, mirrors, and more...plus some silly titles and beloved classics! Our board book collection has outgrown its old home and is now shelved between the Legos and bench.
Playaways
Who is ready to hear some good news? We have new juvenile Playaways on the shelf! Classics, new favorites, short stories, non-fiction, and more await you. Check out the new selection!
Playaways are preloaded audiobooks the size of a deck of cards that just require a pair of headphones and AAA battery to enjoy: no need for a special player or smart phone. They circulate for 4 weeks.
Wonderbooks
Fans of Eric Carle, it’s time to rejoice! We added new Eric Carle Wonderbooks to our shelves. Wonderbooks are print books with a ready-to-play audiobook inside.
Thank you to the Lawrence E. and Mabel Jackson Rudberg Scholarship for their support of early literacy. We would not be able to invest in our collections like this without their generous support.