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September 13, 2025
Quotes of the week
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”
“They say it is better to be poor and happy than rich and miserable, but how about a compromise like moderately rich and just moody?”
“I like to be a free spirit. Some don't like that, but that's the way I am.”
“Every one of us needs to show how much we care for each other and, in the process, care for ourselves.”
― Diana, Princess of Wales
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Sensory-friendly film festival
Join us for a sensory-friendly, Disney princess-themed film festival featuring all the “princess” films, from the 1937 classic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to the 2024 feature, Moana 2.
What makes a movie sensory friendly?
Sensory-friendly movies are an experience for all families, designed with special needs in mind:
- Lights remain on (window shades down).
- Sound is lowered.
- Subtitles are on.
- Attendees are welcome to move about and interact.
- Feel free to bring your own snacks and fidget toys.
Admission is free and no registration is required. A caregiver or parent must be present with each child. Join us on Fridays at 11:30 am. at Menlo Park Library. Check the website for specific films and dates. Next up is Sleeping Beauty on Friday, Sept. 19, starting at 11:30 a.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
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Tea and Tarot
Join us for tea and conversation around the tarot deck. Socialize and practice your skills reading the tarot. Although this isn’t an instructional course, meet like-minded people who can share their tarot experiences. Bring your own deck! Tea and tarot-themed book recommendations will be provided. Join us on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 3 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
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Create Cheyenne and Mexica shields
Learn about the Native American tribe of the Cheyenne and the Mexica indigenous people of Mexico, and create your own Chimalli (shield) image with designs inspired by these cultures. Use a template or create your own pattern and make a piece of art with cardboard and feathers. There is no preregistration for this all-ages event, but supplies are limited. Please arrive by the starting time to help ensure a space. Join us on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 3:45 p.m. at Belle Haven Library Makerspace, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
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Youth swim lessons
Is your child passionate about swimming and ready for the next step after lessons? Join the Bridge Swim Program at Burgess Pool this fall! Designed for youth swimmers ages five–12, the Bridge program helps kids "bridge" the gap between swim lessons and group swim practices. Whether your child dreams of joining a swim team or simply wants to stay active and build confidence in the water, this program is the perfect next step. Registration is now open.
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Save the date: Halloweek!
Mark your calendar and get ready to celebrate with three Halloween-themed, family-friendly community events hosted by the City of Menlo Park:
Halloween parade and carnival
Decorate your bike, wagon or scooter, and wear your Halloween costume as our ghoulish parade struts through downtown Menlo Park. Then, enjoy Halloween-inspired carnival games, bounce houses, prizes, candy, balloon and tattoo artists and free performances. Participate on Saturday, Oct. 25, in the parade starting on Santa Cruz Avenue and at the carnival at Fremont Park. Learn more.
Pumpkin splash
Wear your swimsuit for the floating pumpkin patches at Belle Haven Pool and Burgess Pool. Ticket price includes a pumpkin, decorations for the pumpkin, a goody bag and additional time for swimming! Join us on Sunday, Oct. 26, at Belle Haven Pool, 100 Terminal Ave., and Burgess Pool, 501 Laurel St. Learn more.
Trunk-or-treat
Enjoy a safe and fun way for children in our community to celebrate Halloween. Instead of going door-to-door, kids will go from car-to-car, with each vehicle's trunk decorated in a creative and festive Halloween theme. It's a wonderful opportunity to bring joy to children and families while fostering community spirit. Participate on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
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Free literary and cultural programs
These free literary and cultural programs received funding support from Friends of Menlo Park Library.
- Storytime at the library. 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.
- Teen Media Nights. Watch a movie and play video games at the library! Join us for Teen Media Nights from 3:30–5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, where we will either be watching a film or playing video games in the library Teen Zone.
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Teen Book Group: Cemetery Boys. Teens ages 12–17, join us to discuss this month's book, Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas. Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
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Mystery Readers Group: Latino American Heritage Month. Join us in reading and sharing mysteries from Latino American authors to celebrate this important month! Participate online via Zoom on Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 6–7:15 p.m. Learn more.
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A (Very) Adult Storytime. It's storytime! And for all that is good—leave the kids at home! We're hosting an after-hours, adults-only storytime at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., on Friday, Sept. 19, from 6:30–8 p.m. Learn more.
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Middle Grade Book Group: The Golden Compass. Middle Grade Book Group is an in-person group for kids ages six–12 who are interested in reading chapter books. This month, we will discuss The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
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Ultimate Book Group crossover: The Golden Compass. Menlo Park Library's Middle Grade Book Group and Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Group team up to discuss a single book in this special session. Join us on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 4–5 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
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Instrument Petting Zoo. It's an interactive concert and instrument petting zoo, especially for curious minds under 10! Participate on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 11–noon 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!
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Library card art exhibition – send us your designs
Calling all artists! The City of Menlo Park is refreshing our library card designs, and we want your help! Menlo Park residents of all ages are invited to submit original artwork inspired by the theme, "My Library Adventure in Menlo Park." Art submissions will be reviewed by a panel of library staff and stakeholders, and select designs will be printed on new library cards and made available to the public. Submissions will be accepted until Oct. 31. Learn more.
Free design workshops
To help get your creative juices flowing, we'll be hosting free, artist-led workshops in September.
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Aquatics working group meeting Sept. 23
The aquatics working group is an opportunity for community members to participate in intimate "focus group" sessions to provide feedback and gain insight about the programs and services at Belle Haven Pool and Burgess Pool. Sessions are open to all interested community members. Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 6 p.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
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Suggestion box – How are we doing?
We strive to deliver excellent service to the Menlo Park community. Your feedback helps us learn and improve. Do you have a question, complaint or suggestion? We want to hear from you. Please share your thoughts in our online suggestion box.
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