July 16, 2022

Quote of the week

Thou remember’st
Since once I sat upon a promontory,
And heard a mermaid on a dolphin’s back
Uttering such dulcet and harmonious breath,
That the rude sea grew civil at her song,
And certain stars shot madly from their spheres
To hear the sea-maid’s music.
--William Shakespeare, “A Midsummer Night's Dream”

Music in the Park – The Brave Bartones

The Summer Concert Series continues with the Brave Bartones and their set list of Classic Rock hits from the 60s and spanning three decades after, with the occasional surf tune and original thrown in for fun. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy an evening of music with family and friends at Fremont Park, Wednesday, July 20, 6 p.m. Admission is free. 

Check out California State Parks passes 

Menlo Park residents 18 and older can now use their library card to check out free vehicle day-use passes to California state parks. The library parks pass is accepted at over 200 state parks, including 13 in San Mateo County. Passes can be borrowed for up to 14 days. A valid Menlo Park library card is required. Passes are available first come, first served, and cannot be placed on hold. To check out a pass, visit the Menlo Park Library or Belle Haven Branch Library.

Resident input wanted for recreation and community programs

The City of Menlo Park wants to hear from you in an effort to better understand resident uses and needs for recreation programs and other community services. The survey will inform the discussion and consideration of programming needs at the new Menlo Park Community Campus facility and citywide, including aquatics and other programs and activities. The survey is available in both English and Spanish. 

• English survey
• Spanish survey 

Mystery Writer Mark Coggins

Local writer and photographer Mark Coggins will sit in the monthly Mystery Readers Group to talk about The Dead Beat Scroll, the latest in his August Riordan mystery series, and to share his award-winning street photography. Join us virtually on Wednesday, July 20, at 3 p.m.

Storyteller Kirk Waller: Love, Loss and Lasting Memories

Kirk Waller blends music, movement, and the spoken word to spin tales of heartbreak and healing. Storytelling performance for adults with tales, both real and imagined, aimed at making audience members laugh, cry, and reflect on their own tender stories. Join us virtually on Thursday, July 21, at 6:30 p.m.

Friends of Menlo Park Library book sale

Get a great deal on used books at the Menlo Park Library. Thousands of gently used books and media including fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, CDs, DVDs, collectibles and more. All sale proceeds benefit library programs and events. Sponsored by Friends of Menlo Park Library, an all-volunteer charitable 501c3 nonprofit organization. 

• Friday, July 22, 2–5 p.m. 
• Saturday, July 23, 10 a.m–2 p.m.

Upcoming events

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

Summer Reading Game
June 1, 2022 – Aug. 31, 2022
The Menlo Park Summer Reading Game is underway to encourage people of all ages to read, explore, and win prizes sponsored by Friends of Menlo Park Library. The summer-long game includes free events for all ages to bring joy, laughter, imagination and knowledge.

Safari Encounters – Belle Haven Branch Library
Saturday, July 16, 2022
11:15 a.m.–Noon
Meet some wonderful animal ambassadors who will help you understand their natural world. Learn interesting facts about their diets, predators, and special adaptations that help them survive and thrive.

Summer Puppetry Festival: The Itty-Bitty Variety Show – Menlo Park Library
Saturday, July 16, 2022
2:15–2:45 p.m.
During the Itty-Bitty Variety Show, you’ll be immersed in Caterpillar Puppets’ original stories of triumph, hope and laughter, as you get to know the cast of puppet personalities. They’ll even teach you their club song, and get you to help out by making their special finger motions to turn caterpillars into butterflies!

Story time for Adults: online or in person
Saturday, July 16, 2022
4–4:30 p.m.
You’re never too old for a good story! Take some time out for yourself to enjoy Story Time for Adults, featuring essays and short stories read to you by your Menlo Park librarians. Register to join us online via Zoom, or in person!

Library Commission meeting
Monday, July 18, 2022
6:30 p.m.
Library Commission meetings are generally held on the 3rd Monday of the month starting at 6:30 p.m. Meeting dates and times are subject to change.

Preschool/Toddler Tuesday: Bingo Schmingo Music
Tuesday, July 19, 2022
10–10:30 a.m.
Bingo Schmingo’s Kathleen Rushing, along with her many musical instruments, sings and interacts with her audience, offering creative musical and social experiences to promote phonemic awareness, rhythm and rhyme.

English Conversation Club
Tuesday, July 19, 2022
Noon
Practice your English with people from all over the world! Meet other English language learners and work with our volunteer tutors. We meet every Tuesday at Noon at the Menlo Park Library. Drop in and join us!  

Mystery Readers Group: Guest Author Mark Coggins
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
3–4:30 p.m.
Local writer and photographer Mark Coggins is visiting our Mystery Readers Group to talk about The Dead Beat Scroll, the latest in his August Riordan mystery series, and also to share some of his award-winning street photography.

Summer Concert Series: Brave Bartones
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
6–8 p.m.
The Summer Concert Series continues with the Brave Bartones and their set list of Classic Rock hits from the 60s and spanning three decades after, with the occasional surf tune and original thrown in for fun. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy an evening of music with family and friends. Admission is free.

Kirk Waller: Love, Loss and Lasting Memories
Thursday, July 21, 2022
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Acclaimed storyteller Kirk Waller will join us online to share stories and songs to touch the heart. Waller will perform a program for adults that he calls “Love, Loss and Lasting Memories” in which he will tell tales, both real and imagined, aimed at making audience members laugh, cry, and reflect on their own tender stories.

Friends of the Library Book Sale
Friday, July 22, 2022, 2–5 p.m.
Saturday, July 23, 2022, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Join us at the Menlo Park Library for a huge book sale! The Friends have thousands of items to offer, in all categories. 

Storytime – Belle Haven Branch Library
Saturday, July 23, 2022
11:15 a.m.
Join us in person at the library for interactive fun and learning for children and their caregivers. Storytime promotes the joy of reading and helps to develop early literacy skills.

For complete event listings, visit our online events calendar.