Children’s Author Mac Barnett Will Visit Duluth May 20
Duluth will host National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Mac Barnett on Wednesday, May 20, as one of only five U.S. stops on the 2026 national tour—a rare opportunity that brings one of the country’s most celebrated children’s authors to the Twin Ports. Barnett will engage readers through his initiative, Behold, the Picture Book! Let’s Celebrate Stories We Can Feel, Hear and See. Every Child a Reader, in partnership with the Library of Congress, selected Duluth through a competitive process that drew more than 350 applications nationwide. The city joins Chattanooga, Tennessee; Bar Harbor, Maine; Cody, Wyoming; and Ogden, Utah, on this year’s tour schedule.
The Selection Process & Events
Duluth’s successful proposal grew from a collaboration led by the Duluth Library Foundation in partnership with Duluth Public Schools (ISD 709) and the Duluth Public Library. The application underscored Duluth as a regional hub with engaged schools, a strong public library system and a reach that extends well beyond city limits.
During his visit, Barnett will share his passion for picture books, inviting students and teachers at Myers-Wilkins Elementary School to celebrate what’s vibrant and joyful about this quintessential American artform. Participating students will receive one of Barnett’s picture books published by Candlewick Press, provided by the Library of Congress James Madison Council.
Barnett will also present a free public event for families and readers from across Duluth and the greater Twin Ports region, along with an educators’ session open to teachers, library staff, and others who support young people’s learning. Organizers will announce venue details in the coming weeks.
About the Initiative
The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature is a national literacy initiative of the Library of Congress and Every Child a Reader. The program brings nationally recognized authors into selected communities at no local cost and connects young readers directly with contemporary children’s literature.
Minnesota has longstanding ties to the program. Minneapolis author Kate DiCamillo served as National Ambassador in 2014-2015. Duluth’s selection for the 2026 tour places the national spotlight on a Lake Superior city that serves as an educational and cultural center for northeastern Minnesota.
Community members can prepare for the visit by exploring Mac Barnett’s books at the Duluth Public Library, where his award-winning picture books are available for checkout.
About Mac Barnett
Mac Barnett is a New York Times–bestselling children’s author whose books have sold more than 5 million copies worldwide and have been translated into more than 30 languages. Barnett’s books have won many prizes, including two Caldecott Honors and numerous national and international awards. He co-created the Apple TV+ series “Shape Island” with Jon Klassen. Barnett lives in Oakland, California.
About the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Program
The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature is an initiative of the Library of Congress, in partnership with Every Child a Reader, with generous support from The Library of Congress James Madison Council. The program was established in 2008 by the Library, the Children’s Book Council and Every Child a Reader to emphasize the importance of young people’s literature as it relates to lifelong literacy, education and the development and betterment of the lives of young people.
About the Duluth Library Foundation
The Duluth Library Foundation was founded in 1990. It raises private funds to expand the Duluth Public Library’s ability to serve the region with books, programs, and technology, while ensuring long-term growth. Through events and advocacy, the Foundation works to strengthen the library’s impact and expand access to learning for people of all ages across the region.
