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March 28, 2026

Quote of the week

"The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing which stands in the way. Some see nature all ridicule and deformity, and by these I shall not regulate my propositions. And some see no nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself."

– William Blake, poet

Today! Belle Haven Community Resource Fair

Come with your family and friends to connect with local organizations and agencies that support strong and vibrant neighborhoods. Enjoy light refreshments, free activities and a welcoming educational atmosphere today, March 28, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more and see a list of participating organizations. 

Important note: Please consider taking public transportation or allow additional time for parking due to construction at Kelly Park. Learn more.

Egg Hunt tickets are going fast

Join us at Spring Fest! We'll have a petting zoo, children's crafts, photos with the big bunny, a Menlo Park Fire fun zone and our annual Egg Hunt. Advance tickets are required to participate in the Egg Hunt and Sensory-Friendly Egg Hunt. All other elements of Spring Fest are free and do not require tickets. Join us on Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Burgess Park, 701 Laurel St. Learn more. 

Egg Hunt tickets:

• City of Menlo Park residents — Free (Free ticket is required. Limit one per resident child)
• Non-resident — $5 per child

Community Fun Run "2026K" – Enrollment closing

Time is almost out to get your t-shirt and medal! Participants aged six and older of all fitness levels are welcome to join us for our first fun run. The run will start at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave., and travel around the beautiful scenery of Bedwell Bayfront Park on April 25. Sign-ups close on Friday, April 3. Learn more.

Japanese American History events

Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., is hosting two months of special programming to bring Japanese American history and culture to life.

• Am I An American or Am I Not? Stop in for this special exhibition that explores historic and modern-day events that parallel aspects of the incarceration of Japanese Americans. The exhibition is viewable during library open hours through May 17. 
• Yoshiko Kanazawa: A Wartime Journey. Yoshiko Kanazawa, a resident of San Jose and docent at the Japanese American Museum of San Jose, recalls her family's wartime experience through a child's eyes. Listen to her story on Wednesday, April 8, from 6–7 p.m.

Summer Swim Camps in Menlo Park (ages five–14)

Make this summer count with high-quality swim camps at Menlo Swim & Sport. Our camps combine fun with skill-building. Experienced swim instructors and small group lessons ensure every camper receives the attention they need to build confidence and improve technique. Camps run Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., with optional after-camp care available until 4:30 p.m. Sessions run June–Aug. 14. 

Buy more, save more! Register for three or more weeks and get 10% off each additional week beyond the first two. Register today!

Youth Poetry Voices

April is National Poetry Month and to celebrate, the City of Menlo Park library is holding our annual Youth Poetry Voices exhibition, where aspiring young poets (grades one through 12) are invited to share their original poetry with the Menlo Park community. Poem submissions will be open between April 1 and April 30. Learn more.

The Menlo Park Library Foundation provides funding for Youth Poetry Voices. 

Exercise your mind with drop-in chess play 

Whether you're a grandmaster or just learning the basics, our friendly and welcoming environment is perfect for all levels, aged five and older. Drop in to play casual games, learn new strategies or enjoy the company of fellow chess enthusiasts. There is a $3 drop-in fee. Join us on Thursdays from 6–9 p.m. at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 700 Alma St. Learn more.

Video games for checkout at the library

Studies have shown that video games can improve manual dexterity, increase gray matter in the brain and enhance intellectual and social skills. Also, video games are a lot of fun! Menlo Park Library now offers video games for checkout with your library card. Browse our collection of games for Nintendo Switch, PS5 and Xbox Series X. Learn more and browse the full collection.

Facility rentals at Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

 The City's Arrillaga Family Recreation Center is an excellent venue for special occasions (and a great gathering place to avoid the tussock moth caterpillars that hang from Menlo Park's oak trees during spring). The center features five well-appointed rooms in various sizes, including a spacious indoor/outdoor event area that is ideal for gatherings and receptions. Check out and reserve facilities online.

Plan your summer tomato garden

This spring, learn how to start and care for tomato plants to get the best harvest. Our experts will highlight varieties that perform well in our area. Participate online via Zoom on Wednesday, April 1, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Learn more.

More free literary and cultural programs 

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

• Teen Tabletop Gaming. Teens in grades six–12, you're invited to join us every month for drop-in Dungeons & Dragons or other tabletop role-playing games. Participate on Wednesday, April 1, from 4–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
• Melanated Women Read. Melanated Women Read is a book discussion group by and especially for Black women. This month, we will discuss Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. Participate online via Zoom on Monday, April 6, from 6:30–8 p.m. Learn more.
• Poetry Night. We're opening the mic! Whether you're sharing your original work or a favorite piece by another poet — or you'd like to sit and listen — let's enjoy some wonderful poetry together. Join us on Tuesday, April 7, from 6–7:15 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
• 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.

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

One Book, One Coast: Be part of the largest collective read on the West Coast

The City of Menlo Park is joining nearly 200 libraries across California, Washington and Oregon for One Book, One Coast, a shared reading program that celebrates literacy, learning, community and civil discourse. Participating libraries will read and discuss They Called Us Enemy by George Takei. On Sunday, May 31, tune in to George Takei's author talk and book signing, livestreamed from the East Los Angeles Library. Learn more.

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