Library and Community Services Newsletter - May 23, 2026

May 23, 2026

Quote of the week

"For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue."

– James A. Garfield, 20th President of the United States

Memorial Day closure

The City of Menlo Park will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. Learn more.

Swim with us this Memorial Day weekend

Cool off this Memorial Day weekend at your neighborhood pools! Families can swim, splash, play and spend time outside together throughout the holiday weekend. Check out the recreational swim hours for Belle Haven and Burgess Pool below.

Looking for a great option for younger children? The Belle Haven Pool Splash Pad and Burgess Pool Wading Pool are both perfect for little ones! Learn more.

Belle Haven Pool
Instructional/Recreation Pool and Splash Pad
Saturday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Monday: Noon–7 p.m.

Burgess Pool
Wading Pool (Ages six and under)
Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Monday: Noon–5 p.m.

Instructional/Recreation Pool
Saturday and Sunday: Noon–5:30 p.m.
Monday: Noon–8 p.m.

Summer activities are filling up fast

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, education and more.

Enroll now

Juneteenth Celebration

Mark your calendar! Join us on Friday, June 19, from 5–8 p.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus (100 Terminal Ave.) to celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Attendees will enjoy resources and vendors, activities for the family, food for purchase and free treats, plus cultural entertainment, including storytelling and a Caribbean music performance by Asheba, Myke tha Kidd and a Menlo Park Soul Line Dancer. Learn more.

Summer Reading Game sign-ups

The City of Menlo Park's popular Summer Reading Game starts on June 1, but sign-ups are open now. Keep your reading skills sharp through the summer months as you discover great books, enjoy in-person and online activities and earn prizes sponsored by Friends of Menlo Park Library. Players of all ages are welcome to join and can win free books by signing up and reading through Aug. 31. Learn more.

One Book, One Coast with George Takei

One Book, One Coast, the largest book club on the West Coast, wraps up with a special visit from George Takei, author of They Called Us Enemy. Participate via livestream on Sunday, May 31, from 2–4 p.m. Reserve your spot and learn more.

Apply for the Youth Advisory Committee

The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) seeks to engage future leaders of Menlo Park by encouraging youth to take an active leadership role in the community. The YAC advises the Parks and Recreation Commission and City staff on activities, events and programs to meet the needs of youth and teens in the community. Students enrolling in grades nine–12 who live within Menlo Park City limits or are attending a Menlo Park high school are invited to apply to serve a one-year term from September 2026 through May 2027. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 17. Learn more.

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.
Mental Health Open Mic. Whether through sharing experience, music, storytelling, readings or poetry, join us in a safe space where you can share your own words or listen to those of others. Participate on Wednesday, May 27, from 6–8 p.m. at the Neighborhood Pizza Guy & Cafe Zoe, 1929 Menalto Ave. Learn more.
Library Makes. Join us for an afternoon of crafts in the library. This week's craft is shahiko. Participate on Saturday, May 30, from 2–3:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
Melanated Women Read. Melanated Women Read is a book discussion group by and especially for Black women. This month, we will discuss These Heathens by Mia McKenzie. Join us online via Zoom on Monday, June 1, from 6:30–8 p.m. 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