April 17, 2021

Quote of the week

“Kids don't remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.”
–Jim Henson

Featured event: 2021 Youth Poetry Contest  

Calling young poets! The 2021 Youth Poetry Contest is now accepting entries from Menlo Park students in grades 2 to 12. Deadline for entry is 9 p.m., Thursday, May 6. Cash prizes donated by Menlo Park Library Foundation. Entrants must live or attend school in Menlo Park. All entries must be original works and must be submitted online. Winners will be notified a week before the Youth Poetry Contest and Poetry Slam event scheduled for Friday, May 28.

Summer camp – fun in the sun

Menlo Park offers a range of summer camp options at reasonable rates. We strive to create a memorable learning experience in a safe and welcoming environment for all. The availability and format of camps may vary based on local health orders. Registration is now open. Camps include: 

• Tennis camp
• Skateboarding camp
• Camp Menlo
• Menlo Mania
• Public Speaking, Writing and Debating
• Robotics camp
• Hi- Five summer camp
• And more!

The N-word: History, Race and the College Classroom

With personal, pedagogical and historical perspective, framed in part by her experience as a biracial woman, Organization of American Historians Distinguished Lecturer Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor, Ph.D., a professor, researcher, and daughter of iconic comedian Richard Pryor, shares her perspective on some of the reasons the N-word is so hard to discuss. Join us from 4–5 p.m., Monday, April 19, for “The N-word: History, Race and the College Classroom."

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.

Books are just the beginning

The library offers a wealth of eBooks, streaming music, movies and other media straight to your computer or mobile device, all you need is a library card.

• eMagazines: current magazine issues, full screen and in full color
• Freegal: choose from a vast collection of over 15+ million songs in over 200+ genres library users can enjoy 3 hours of streaming per day, and 3 downloads per week
• Hoopla: five instant loans each month, including eBooks, audiobooks and music
• Libby: popular eBooks and audiobooks for a 3 week checkout period
• Kanopy: over 30,000 movies, documentaries and kid favorites
• Tumblebooks: eBooks and learning resources for grades K-12, audiobooks for all ages
• Tutor.com: live online homework help

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.

The N-word: History, Race and the College Classroom
Monday, April 19
4-5 p.m.
What is it about that word? OAH Distinguished Lecturer Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor, Ph.D., professor, researcher, and daughter of iconic comedian Richard Pryor, shares her perspective.
 
Toddler Tuesday: Nanny Nikki Music
Tuesday, April 20
10-10:30 a.m.
Join us for music and fun for young children and their grownups!

Virtual Storytime
Wednesday, April 21
10-10:30 a.m. 
Stories, songs and early-learning fun for young children and their grownups

Mystery Readers Group: Foodie Mysteries
Wednesday, April 21
3-4:30 p.m.
From tea with Miss Marple, to a gourmet meal with Nero Wolf, we’ll discuss stories that offer a lot to chew on.

Virtual Conversation Club
Wednesday, April 21
5-6 p.m. 
Want to improve your English? Practice online with people from the local community and all over the world.

STEAM Class: Marshmallow Towers
Thursday, April 22
4-5 p.m.
Students in Grades K-3: join us for a fun, creative science and engineering class from the Bay Area Discovery Museum.

Teen Advisory Group (T.A.G.)
Thursday, April 22
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.

Storytime for Adults
Friday, April 23
Noon-12:30 p.m.
Take a break as our librarians read aloud to you. Serene, stimulating, edifying.
 
Teen Creative Writing Club
Friday, April 23
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.

Raise a Glass, Quarantine-Style
Friday, April 23
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Calling all craft brew connoisseurs. The popular virtual tasting event returns. Whether or not you are tasting along, we think you’ll enjoy this physically-distanced but socially-close friendly gathering.

Book-ish Trivia Night
Friday, April 23
7-8:30 p.m.
You're cordially invited to join us for a Book-ish Trivia Night. Gather your team and join us virtually for some good ol’ bar-style trivia.

For complete event listings, visit our online events calendar.