Were you a library kid?

For many, being a library kid means fond memories of participating in Saturday morning storytimes or after school programming at the Duluth Public Library. Maybe it was spinning the racks to search for the next book in the Babysitter’s Club series. Or perhaps it was making imaginary calls from the wood telephone booth that has stood for nearly 40 years among the book bins.

For some, the memory might not be their own childhood but rather raising library kids. And for others, these nostalgic, foundational memories may even originate in a town far from Duluth, but in a children’s library just as magical. Regardless of when or where we first formed our early library memories, the experiences, the lessons, and the doors that were opened to us remain core to who we are as a community.

As the Downtown location of the Duluth Public Library creeps towards 50 years old, so too does the Youth Services section. New caregivers, children, and families have filled our library every day since 1980, yet the furniture and design in the space have stayed largely unchanged. Now is the time to capture Duluth’s youngest learners and provide them with a space that matches the energy and creativity they bring with each visit.

Will you join us in making a reimagined Duluth Public Library Youth Services in 2026 a reality?

We’ve Surpassed $300,000—Help Us Reach $350,000

We are in the final stretch of the campaign to transform the Downtown Library’s children’s section before updates begin this fall.

Thanks to a generous estate gift, every donation will be matched dollar for dollar through The Carol Fryberger Legacy Match, up to $25,000. Together, your gift and the match can help us reach our $350,000 goal.

Tell Us What Kind of Library Kid You Were

We need your help getting the word out! Every gift will be matched dollar for dollar until the full $25,000 match has been reached. There are a number of ways to participate:

CREATE your own I Was A Library Kid images via these branded templates. Use them on social media, text messages, or emails to your network.
SHARE YOUR STORY about what it means to you to have been a Library Kid on social media. Don't forget to tag @duluthlibraryfoundation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!
BECOME A FUNDRAISER and make your own personal fundraising page to share with your network via the white Become a Fundraiser button.
JOIN THE LIBRARY KID CHALLENGE
1. Share your Library Kid story and tag the Duluth Library Foundation on any of our social platforms (or all three!)
2. Make a gift of any size.
3. Tag three former Library Kids in your post or email.
4. Invite them to share their story and keep it going.

Many Ways to Give

There are many ways to help us cross the finish line.

Make a secure online gift through this campaign page.
Mail a check to the Duluth Library Foundation.
Recommend a grant from your Donor Advised Fund (DAF).
Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA.
Donate appreciated stocks or securities.

All forms of gifts will be matched!

To learn more about giving through a Donor Advised Fund, IRA, or stock transfer, please contact Erin Kreeger at erin@duluthlibraryfoundation.org. We'd be happy to help you choose the giving option that's right for you.

More About the Project: Space to Learn, Play, & Grow

The Downtown Library’s children’s section has largely remained void of updates over the last 40 years. The new space will include flexible areas for reading, learning, play, creativity, and family connection, along with improved seating, accessibility, and sensory-friendly features.

Your gift will help create a welcoming space where children can learn, play, grow, and belong.

A Vision for the New Space

The updated space will include a new layout and bright colors that will inspire and welcome visitors. Will you help us make this concept a reality before the end of the year?

I Was a Library Kid

Modernizing the Downtown Duluth Public Library Youth Services Section during Fall 2026 for the next generation of Library Kids.

Team Members