Library and Community Services Newsletter - May 9, 2026

May 9, 2026

Quote of the week

“Perhaps the secret of living well is not in having all the answers, but in pursuing unanswerable questions in good company.”

– Rachel Naomi Remen, pediatrician and author

Summer Activity Registration

Learning is an adventure that yields lifelong benefits! The City of Menlo Park hosts a wide range of high-quality classes for all ages at reasonable rates, including fitness, dance, sports, gymnastics, music, drama, arts and crafts, lifelong learning and more. Enrollment dates have been announced and classes are available to preview. Learn more and preview the classes.

Summer activity enrollment opens at 9 a.m. on:

Thursday, May 14, for hyperlocal (Belle Haven Community Campus only)
Saturday, May 16, for residents
Wednesday, May 20, for non-residents

Bike to Wherever Day

May is National Bike Month and the City of Menlo Park is partnering with the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition to celebrate! We’ll be hosting five energizer stations for Bike to Work Day (or wherever!) on Thursday, May 14, from 7–10 a.m. There will be snacks, water and bicycling accessories to support and encourage bikers. Learn more.

Energizer stations will be at:

Caltrain Northbound and Southbound Stations
Ringwood Avenue Bike Bridge
Willow Place Bike Bridge
San Mateo Avenue Bike Bridge

Library Makes: Craft Sampler

Join us for a special edition of Library Makes, where we’ll offer participants an array of library crafts to try. Light refreshments will be provided. Craft supplies and food are first-come, first-served. Participate on Thursday, May 14, from 3–5:30 p.m. at the Belle Haven Library Makerspace, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

Housing and Neighborhood Resource Fair

Gain a better understanding of City and non-profit resources and services regarding affordable housing, tenant protections, legal assistance and health and food assistance. We’ll also have a prize drawing, snacks and more! Join us on Saturday, May 16, from 1–4 p.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus in the Flex Classroom, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

Closures

Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

The Arrillaga Family Recreation Center and the Arrillaga Family Gymnasium will be closed from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, for a staff recognition event.

More free literary and cultural programs

These free literary and cultural programs received funding support from Friends of Menlo Park Library.

Storytime. Join us for 30-minute-long storytimes at the library. Children and their caregivers will enjoy interactive early learning, featuring stories, songs and fun!
- Belle Haven Library – Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m., Fridays at 5:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:15 a.m.
- Menlo Park Library – Thursdays at 10:15 a.m., Fridays at 10:15 a.m. and Saturdays at 11:15 a.m.
Efficient Irrigation Techniques Workshop. Learn about efficient irrigation, watering schedules, basic repairs and more. Participate online via Zoom on Sunday, May 10, from 11 a.m.–noon. Register and learn more.
Global Language Storytime: Spanish. Join us for a story and songs all in Spanish! Participate on Tuesday, May 12, from 12:15–12:45 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
Fiction Book Group Book Discussion. Join our Fiction Book Group to discuss Florida by Lauren Groff. Participate online via Zoom on Tuesday, May 12, from 6:30–7:45 p.m. Learn more.
Middle Grade Book Group. Kids six–12, join us to discuss this month’s book, Popcorn by Rob Harrell. Rob will be joining us via Zoom on Saturday, May 16, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Group. Join our Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Group online or in person to discuss The Deep by Rivers Solomon. Participate online via Zoom on Monday, May 18, from 6:30–7:45 p.m. Learn more.
Japanese Taiko Drumming. Enjoy thunderous drums and learn about Japanese culture, language and history! Participate on Sunday, May 17, from 11–11:45 a.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

Check out more free community programs
The above was just a sample of the many free activities hosted by the City of Menlo Park this week. Check out the community events calendar to see them all!

See more free programs