Quote of the week

“If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they

do not want to hear.”

― George Orwell
 

Willow Oaks Park improvements pop-up information booth 

The City of Menlo Park is planning for upcoming improvements in Willow Oaks Park that include playground renovations, dog park enhancements, a new restroom building and pedestrian/bike path updates to improve connectivity for the surrounding neighborhood. Construction for the improvements is anticipated to begin this summer.

A pop-up information booth showcasing the improvements is scheduled in Willow Oaks Park at 490 Willow Road on Saturday, May 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for residents to get information on the project and ask questions. 

Save the date for the Juneteenth celebration (observed) 

The City of Menlo Park will host a Juneteenth celebration (observed) on Saturday, June 17. Attendees will enjoy live performances, food and joyous community spirit. Mark your calendar for this festive community celebration commemorating African American freedom and emphasizing education and achievement. Event co-sponsors include Belle Haven Action, Belle Haven Community Development Fund, Belle Haven Empowered and the City of Menlo Park. This event is free for the whole community and will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Karl E. Clark Park at 313 Market Place. 

Library Commission to discuss Menlo Park Community Campus proposed programs

The Library Commission is comprised of Menlo Park residents appointed by the City Council and advises the City Council on matters related to library services and programs. At their next meeting on May 15, the Library Commission will review summaries of proposed library, afterschool and senior center programs for the Menlo Park Community Campus multiservice facility now under construction at 100-110 Terminal Avenue. Public comments are welcomed and encouraged. The meeting is hybrid format and participants can join on Zoom or in person at the Menlo Park Library at 800 Alma Street. The meeting will take place on Monday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m.

We’re hiring! Library and Community Services Manager

The City of Menlo Park is now accepting applications for Library and Community Services Manager. This is an unparalleled opportunity to join our dynamic city management team. The Library and Community Services Manager is responsible for planning, organizing and leading multiple synergistic functional areas of the Library and Community Services department. Menlo Park is currently building a major new multiservice facility in partnership with Meta that will include a community center, gymnasium, fitness and movement studio, aquatics center, public library, makerspace, teen space, afterschool center, event hall and senior center.

The Library and Community Services Manager will play a key role in the planning and operations of this new, transformational community campus. The City of Menlo Park offers competitive management salary, outstanding benefits and exceptional professional development and advancement opportunities. Interested and qualified candidates should apply online by May 29. 

Belle Haven School field closed to public access during school renovations

Belle Haven School is operated by Ravenswood City School District. The school district will begin work on major renovations and upgrades to Belle Haven School starting this summer and lasting 18+ months. Portable classrooms will be temporarily placed on the school’s soccer field, baseball diamond and tennis court areas to continue classroom instruction during the construction. Public access to these field areas will be closed during school construction. Visit the Ravenswood City School District’s website to view the construction plans and timelines and who to contact for more information about the project. 

Mental health informational presentation

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Menlo Park Library will host an informational presentation to share helpful mental health resources in a safe and welcoming setting. Whether connections to the community, e-resources or relevant information on the shelf, we’ll lend our support. The goal of Mental Health Awareness Month is to increase awareness and inspire action to reduce stigma against those with mental health and substance use conditions. Join a free community information workshop on Tuesday, May 16, at 6 p.m. at Menlo Park Library located at 800 Alma Street.

Hawaiian Music with Faith Ako

Musician Faith Ako grew up in Hawaii and now lives in the Bay Area, and will visit Menlo Park to perform a mix of original songs and traditional Hawaiian music. Join the free community event on Saturday, May 20, at 1 p.m. at Belle Haven Branch Library located at 413 Ivy Drive.

Leave a suggestion for how we are 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.
 

This week's upcoming events

The City of Menlo Park hosts cultural, literary and educational events that reflect our diverse community and are accessible to all. View a complete calendar of upcoming city events.

Teen Movie, Paint and Plant
Saturday, May 13, 2023
1-3 p.m.
Menlo Park Library
Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to join us to a movie-watching, plant-potting party at the library!

Library Commission meeting
Monday, May 15, 2023
6:30 p.m.
Menlo Park Library & Zoom
Library Commission meetings are generally held on the 3rd Monday of the month starting at 6:30 p.m. Meeting dates and times are subject to change. This is a hybrid meeting and participants can join online or in person.

English Conversation Club
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
12-1 p.m.
Menlo Park Library
Meet other English language learners and work with our literacy staff and volunteer tutors. Drop in and join us!

Library Reads: Mental Health
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
6-7 p.m.
Menlo Park Library
Join library staff as we share helpful mental health resources available to you. Whether connections to the community, e-resources or relevant information on the shelf, we’ll lend our support.

Mystery Readers: Mom’s On the Case
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
3-4:15 p.m.
Zoom
We hope these moms are good at multitasking, because there are mysteries to be solved! Menlo Park’s Mystery Readers Group meets online on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.

Hawaiian Music with Faith Ako
Saturday, May 20, 2023
1-2 p.m.
Belle Haven Branch Library
Musician Faith Ako, who grew up in Hawaii and now lives in the Bay Area, will visit Menlo Park to perform a mix of original songs and traditional Hawaiian music.

Japanese Taiko Drumming with Kristy Aki Oshiro
Sunday, May 21, 2023
11-11:45 a.m.
Belle Haven Branch Library
Feel the thunderous sounds of the drums vibrating through your body as Japanese language, culture and history combine into an exciting educational experience. You may even get a chance to play the drums yourself!   

For complete event listings, visit our online events calendar.