July 10, 2021

Quote of the week

“One benefit of summer was that each day we had more light to read by.”
―Jeannette Walls

Senior services resume July 12 at Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Menlo Park resumes older adult services indoors on weekday mornings starting Monday, July 12, in a new, temporary location at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center. Services include nutritionally balanced meals, health, recreational, social, cultural and educational programs and opportunities for socializing and fun. Door-to-door local transportation services are available to Menlo Park resident seniors. For more information and to register, contact Avideh Yaghmai-Samardar or visit the city website.

The Menlo Park Senior Center at 110 Terminal Ave. is closed during the construction of the Menlo Park Community Campus. This project includes development of a new multigenerational facility to incorporate the former Onetta Harris Community Center, Menlo Park Senior Center, Belle Haven Youth Center (child care), Belle Haven Pool and branch library. The new facility is scheduled to open in 2023.

Library overdue fines eliminated effective July 1 

The City Council voted June 28 to eliminate library overdue fines effective July 1. Multiple studies have shown that library overdue fines disproportionately affect low-income residents and communities of color. Effective July 1, Menlo Park Library no longer charges overdue fines for items returned late, and existing overdue fines on account have been waived. Fees remain in effect for damaged or lost items, and overdue fines may still apply for items borrowed from other libraries outside of Menlo Park including LINK+ items.

Menlo Mania Summer Camp – space available

Menlo Mania Summer Camp is located at the Menlo Children’s Center adjacent to beautiful Burgess Park and Menlo Park Library. Campers are enjoying a second session of summer camp with outdoor play, art, science and other fun activities. Additional two-week sessions are now available for registration, July 19–30 and August 2–13. Space is limited and you can register online.    

Menlo Children’s Center also provides after school care during the school year for children in kindergarten through 2nd grade. Menlo Children’s Center staff is available to pick up children from Laurel School Lower Campus and Encinal Elementary School. For more information and registration, please call 650-330-2261 or visit the city website.

Suggest a library book purchase

Menlo Park Library is committed to being the first and best resource for Menlo Park residents to find books and audiovisual materials. Menlo Park residents who need a specific book but cannot find it in our library catalog may use the “suggest a purchase” form to request it. We will make every reasonable effort to acquire the requested book and add it to the Menlo Park Library collection for library patrons to borrow at no charge.

Summer activity guide – learn, play, workout and more

The City of Menlo Park offers a range of outdoor and online summer activities for all ages. Check out sports, recreation, fitness, language learning, coding and more, with 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.

Cooking Demonstration: Tongan Food
Monday, July 12, 2021
4–5 p.m.
Cook along at home, if you like, as Fusi Taaga of Tokemoana’s in Redwood City teaches us about the culture and food of Tonga.

Preschool/Toddler Tuesday: Nanny Nikki Music
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
10–10:30 a.m.
Join Nanny Nikki for a fun, virtual and interactive musical show including sing-along songs, dancing, puppets and more.

Virtual Conversation Club 
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
11–Noon
Want to improve your English? Come practice online with people from all over the world.

Fiction Book Group: Persuasion
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
7:15–8:30 p.m.
Join us to discuss Jane Austen’s last novel, widely regarded as the most deeply-felt and moving, a story of a second chance.

Storytime
Wednesday, July 14, 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.

Sacramento Zoo: Animal Habitats and Adaptations
Thursday, July 15, 2021
4–4:45 p.m.
Pay a virtual visit to the Sacramento Zoo, where educators will teach us about animals and their habitats.

Let’s Talk Movies: I Capture the Castle
Thursday, July 15, 2021
5:30–6:30 p.m.
Join us to talk about this award-winning film about an eccentric family in 1930s England, struggling to survive in a decaying castle.

Teen Creative Writing Club 
Friday, July 16, 2021
3:30–4:30 p.m.
Writing one of your hobbies? Join other teens in grades 6-12.

For complete event listings, visit our online events calendar.