Library and Community Services Newsletter - May 16, 2026

May 16, 2026

Quote of the week

"No thief, however skillful, can rob one of knowledge, and that is why knowledge is the best and safest treasure to acquire."

– L. Frank Baum, The Lost Princess of Oz

Summer Activity registration is open

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. Enrollment opened this morning for all City of Menlo Park residents. Enrollment will open for non-residents and unincorporated residents on Wednesday, May 20, at 9 a.m.

Enroll now

Housing and Neighborhood Resource Fair is today

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 today, May 16, from 1–4 p.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus in the Flex Classroom, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

Memorial Day closure

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

Teen and Adult Gymnastics (ages 13 and older)

Menlo Park is now offering teen and adult gymnastics classes for beginner and higher-level gymnasts. Students will work on flexibility, strength training, tumbling and skills on gymnastics equipment. This class includes instructor-led exercises and personal exploration of gymnastics skills. Classes will take place on Tuesdays from 7–7:50 p.m. at the Arrillaga Family Gymnastics Center, 501 Laurel St. Enroll now.

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.

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.

Did you know that Belle Haven Pool hosts a Youth Swim Team for local kids?

The Belle Haven Youth Swim Team offers swimming and enrichment to underserved youth who live in the Belle Haven and East Palo Alto areas. Kids can join regardless of their ability to pay. The program is open to kids ages six–18 and provides competitive swim training along with tutoring, book clubs, ACT prep and other enrichment activities to support student-athletes both in and out of the pool. 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.
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 today, May 16, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., and on Thursday, May 21, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. 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.
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.
Teen Book Group. Teen Book Group is an in-person group for kids ages 12–17. Join us to discuss Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli on Tuesday, May 19, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
Mystery Readers Group. Join the Mystery Readers Group as we explore this month's mystery theme: Plot twists! Participate online via Zoom on Tuesday, May 19, from 6–7:15 p.m. Learn more.
Building Brain-Healthy Habits. Join an expert from the Alzheimer's Association to learn how to take charge of your brain health at any age. Participate on Wednesday, May 20, from 3–4 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
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.

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