February 20, 2021

Quote of the week

“There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.” 
― Martin Luther King Jr.

Online exhibit: “Black and White in Black and White: Images of Dignity, Hope, and Diversity in America” 

Discover an optimistic era that set the stage for the Harlem Renaissance through the works of African-American photographer John Johnson in "Black and White in Black and White." Johnson photographed his family, friends and neighbors in America's heartland from 1910 to 1925, creating powerful portraits of dignity and hope.

• Over 40 photographs by African-American photographer John Johnson
• A ragtime, jazz and blues playlist with songs written and performed by Black artist
• Interactive elements
• A photography scavenger hunt
• Live virtual events

This free online exhibit runs from Feb. 16–March 31, 2021. 

Virtual storytime

Books and reading are fun and build strong minds. Storytimes help young children develop critically important early literacy skills, build listening and pre-reading skills, increase vocabulary, and strengthen the bond between children and caregivers. Join us at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays with your little ones for a free, live online session of stories, songs, and joy.

Outdoor class – Hi-Five basketball skills, drills and fun 

Children ages 3-8 work on basketball skills and learn new techniques while having outdoor fun. Sessions are held at Burgess Park. Weekly classes begin March 7, so register online now. Space is limited and instruction provided by Hi-Five Sports. Residents: $299.00 / Nonresidents: $402.00.

Free virtual community events

The City of Menlo Park hosts free cultural, literary and educational events that reflect our diverse community and are accessible to all. Events are held virtually during the pandemic. View a complete calendar of upcoming city events. 

Virtual screening: “Healing from Hate” with director Pete Hutchinson
Monday, Feb. 22
6–7 p.m.
Enjoy our virtual screening from Feb. 20-22, and then join us for a chat with the director.

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club: “Exhalation”
Monday, Feb. 22
7:15–8:30 p.m.
Join us as we discuss Ted Chiang's highly-acclaimed short story collection.

Toddler Tuesday: “Música con Nathalia”
Tuesday, Feb. 23
10–10:30 a.m.
Bilingual music and fun for young children and their grownups.

Virtual Conversation Club
Tuesday, Feb. 23
11 a.m.–Noon
Want to improve your English? Practice online with people from the local community and all over the world.
 
Virtual Storytime
Wednesday, Feb. 24
10–10:30 a.m. 
Stories, songs and early-learning fun for young children and their grownups.

Cooking Demonstration: Beetroot Tikki and Chai
Wednesday, Feb. 24
1:30–2:30 p.m.
Learn how to prepare a delicious Indian snack with the help of our guest chef

Virtual Conversation Club
Wednesday, Feb. 24
5–6 p.m. 
Want to improve your English? Practice online with people from the local community and all over the world.

Teen Advisory Group (T.A.G.) 
Thursday, Feb. 25
3:30–4:30 p.m.
Young people in grades 6-12 (ages 13-18 years) earn volunteering hours and get involved in their community. Share your ideas about teen programs, contests, gaming, reading and more.

Raise a Glass, Quarantine Style – Virtual beer tasting (21+)
Thursday, Feb. 25
5:30–6:30 p.m.
The monthly virtual tasting party returns, focusing this time on local beers.

Storytime for Adults
Friday, Feb. 26
12–12:30 p.m.
Take a break, as your Menlo Park Librarians read aloud to you. Serene, stimulating, edifying.
 
Teen Creative Writing Club
Friday, Feb. 26
3:30–4:30 p.m. 
Grades 4-12
Express yourself. Write poetry, short stories and more. Join other teens in grades 4-12. Event presented by the Teen Advisory Group. New writing prompts and special events weekly.
 
“Shelter-in-Play" Virtual Lotería Night
Friday, Feb. 26
6–7 p.m. 
Lotería, Spanish for lottery, is a traditional game of chance using images on cards. This month, we’re playing with special cards in celebration of Black History Month.

For complete event listings, visit our online events calendar.