Tag: Mac Barnett

Behold, The Picture Book! Let’s Celebrate Stories We Can Feel, Hear, and See with Mac Barnett

Award-winning author Mac Barnett is excited to share his passion for picture books with children and adults. The tradition of the picture book is a tradition of experimentation, just like childhood itself. Every page turn contains infinite possibilities – a journey of discovery and connections. On his nationwide tour as National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Mac invites readers of all ages to join him in celebrating what’s vibrant, joyful and inspiring about this quintessential American art form.

Join us for this very special evening open to the public on Wednesday, May 20 at 6 p.m. at Mitchell Auditorium at The College of St. Scholastica. Books will be on sale and Mac will be available to sign copies following the program. You may pre-order books through Zenith Bookstore here. Free tickets are available here by clicking the button below. Advance registration is strongly encouraged, but not required.

ASL interpretation will be provided during the program. Coloring sheets and activities will be available in the lobby.

 

“What excites me is the living, thinking, feeling kid who exists right now and needs a good story. Magic is
what happens at that moment in childhood.”
— Mac Barnett, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature

 

 

Photographs and video will be taken and used for promotional and archival purposes by the National Ambassador program, the Duluth Library Foundation, and the Duluth Public Library. Please see a staff member with questions or if you prefer not to be photographed.

Duluth Selected to Host 2026 National National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature

Posted on by Megan Keogan

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.