June 5, 2021

Quote of the week

I wish I could share 
All the love that's in my heart
Remove all the bars
That keep us apart
I wish you could know
What it means to be me
Then you'd see and agree
That every man should be free.
– from “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free,” performed by Nina Simone, music by Billy Taylor, lyrics by Richard Carroll Lamb

Karl E. Clark storyboard unveiling and Juneteenth observance

Join us Saturday, June 19, at 11 a.m. at Karl E. Clark Park for the dedication of new storyboard honoring the life and legacy of Karl E. Clark – war hero and devoted local leader – at this year's Juneteenth observance, the annual commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Confirmed speakers include Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, Mayor Drew Combs and City Councilmember Cecilia Taylor. Learn more about Karl E. Clark and Juneteenth.

Summer Reading Adventure – Treasuring Each Other

Summer is the perfect time for adventure, and summer reading is among the greatest adventures of all. The Summer Reading Adventure, “Treasuring Each Other” has begun. Track your reading, complete fun activities and earn prizes. Participation is free and open to people of all ages. Register online, then collect your incentive book, earn badges for reading and fun local activities, and finish the journey to get a reward.

Suggestion box – How are we doing?

We strive to deliver excellent service to the Menlo Park community. Your feedback helps us learn and improve. Do you have a question, complaint or suggestion? We want to hear from you. Please share your thoughts in our online suggestion box.

Summer block parties are almost here – apply for a special event permit

As vaccinations rise, Menlo Park prepares to safely expand access to city services and city facilities. Check out our 4-phase city reopening plan for the next 4-6 months. Special events like block parties play an important role in building community and a vibrant Menlo Park for all. Our goal is to help organizers plan a safe and successful event with minimal impacts to the surrounding neighborhoods. The City of Menlo Park is now accepting applications for special events on or after Aug. 1. Applications are accepted online. Depending on the nature of the event, additional permits or approvals may be needed so please allow adequate time for processing. Visit our special event permit website for event qualifications, application deadlines and to apply for a permit.

Register for summer programs and activities  

The City of Menlo Park offers a range of outdoor and online summer activities for all ages. Sports, recreation, fitness, language learning, coding and more. Memorable learning experiences, safe and welcoming environments for all. Visit our online summer activity guide and book your summer schedule now.

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.

Melanated Reads: One House Over
Monday, June 7, 2021
6:30–8 p.m.
Gather online to discuss Mary Monroe’s novel tracing the rise and fall of a friendship between two couples in 1930s Alabama.

Film Discussion Meetup: Mostly Martha
Monday, June 7, 2021
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Meet other cinephiles and talk movies!

Preschool/Toddler Tuesday: Mariela’s Music Time
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
10–10:30 a.m.
Join us for a live, interactive session of bilingual music and fun!

Virtual Conversation Club
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
11 a.m.–Noon
Want to improve your English? Come practice online with people from all over the world!

Fiction Book Group: Train Dreams
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
7:15–8:30 p.m.
Join us to discuss Denis Johnson's “epic in miniature.”

Storytime
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
10–10:30 a.m.
Join us online with your little ones for a live session of stories, songs and fun! Storytime promotes the joy of reading and helps to develop early literacy skills.

Virtual Conversation Club
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
5–6 p.m.
Want to improve your English? Come practice online with people from all over the world!

A Change is Gonna Come: How to Have Effective Political Conversations in a Divided America
Thursday, June 10, 2021
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Dr. Brian F. Harrison will join us to share his research into practical ways to approach informal political conversation on a variety of contentious issues.

Storytime for Adults
Friday, June 11, 2021
Noon–12:30 p.m. 
Take a break as our librarians read aloud to you. It’s serene, stimulating, edifying.

Teen Creative Writing Club
Friday, June 11, 2021
3:30–4:30 p.m.
Writing one of your hobbies? Join other teens in grades 6-12.

“Shelter-in-Play” Virtual Bingo Night
Friday, June 11, 2021
6–7 p.m.
Join us for a fun virtual family night playing bingo alongside your Menlo Park Community neighbors!

Storyteller Diane Ferlatte: Laugh, Listen and Learn
Saturday, June 12, 2021
11–11:45 a.m.
Laugh, Listen and Learn! Diane shares playful and fun folktales that also contain wisdom and a message for the young and young at heart.

Rock Your World Paint
Saturday, June 12, 2021
2–3 p.m.
Join Menlo Park's Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) and Silicon Valley Cyber Leos Club in a painting kit bag and demo virtual event to spread positivity messages on rocks!

For complete event listings, visit our online events calendar.