Jólabókaflóðið 2026: Beware the Yule Cat!

Duluth Public Library is once again at The Depot for Jólabókaflóðið, an Icelandic tradition of exchanging books and reading together during the winter season. This year’s theme, “Beware the Yule Cat,” evokes a gigantic cat from Icelandic folklore and a cautionary tale about winter weather preparedness. This fierce feline serves as a reminder to help neighbors and ensure that everyone has warm winterwear to last the cold season. Guests can honor the Yule Cat by bringing new mittens, gloves and socks to be donated to CHUM.

The day’s festivities also include:
-Free books, cocoa, and crafting
-Coffee and adoptable cats courtesy of Wired Whisker and Carlton County Animal Rescue
-Story time for kids
-Nordic winter tunes from Project : Constellation
-Bjorn Killerud from the Nordic Center presenting Nordic winter stories.
-One folkloric feline of astonishing size

Participants can celebrate the joy of books, the magic of winter, and the traditions that bring people together. All ages are welcome.