The Duluth Public Library is a library in downtown Duluth, Minnesota. It is a part of the Arrowhead Library System and serves a population of 86,319.

Services

The Duluth Public Library’s collection includes books, audiobooks, downloadable e-books and audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, large-print materials, maps, pamphlet files, government documents, newspapers, serials, and microfilm. The library provides free access to computers with Internet access, word processing, classes on computer use, reference database subscriptions, children’s games, and printers. Free wireless Internet access is also available. Other services include interlibrary loan, and research and reference help.

History

In 1980, a new Duluth Public Library building opened at 520 W. Superior Street. At this time, library services moved from the previous location, the Duluth's Carnegie library built in 1902. Architect Gunnar Birkerts designed the new building. In 2008, the building was renovated, including an expanded computer lab, new carpeting throughout, and new furniture. Later that year, Duluth Mayor Don Ness made extensive cuts to the city budget, and as a result, library employees were laid off and hours were reduced. A referendum was passed in 2011 that changed the way Duluth's city parks were funded and thereby freeing up funds to restore library hours and staff. Currently, the main library is open six days a week (five days a week during the summer), and each of the branches is open five days a week. In July 2009, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation gave the Duluth Public Library an Opportunity Online Hardware Grant to be used for the purchase of new computers. The grant required that the library and community raise matching funds within two years. The Friends of the Duluth Public Library began an active fundraising campaign. Between public donations and a grant from the John S. and James L. Foundation, matching funds were raised.

Special Collections

Programs and events

Locations

2011 statistics

2021 statistics

Total number of materials: 407,845