Quote of the week

"Years
Everybody knows you gotta let 'em go
And they kinda roll by like tears
Just a measure of time
Playin' with your mind, passin' you by, those years

Look around, up and down
They're nowhere to be found
Like the wind, my old friends
They come and go again

Don't look back in sorrow
Just hope you see tomorrow

Those years
Everybody knows you gotta let 'em go
And they kinda roll by like tears
Just a measure of time
Playin' with your mind, passin' you by, those years

You and me came to be
We raised a family
When we're gone, they live on
To see what we won't see

Don't look back in sorrow
The children have tomorrow

Those years
Everybody knows you gotta let 'em go
And they kinda roll by like tears
Just a measure of time
Playin' with your mind, passin' you by, those years”

– John Anderson, Years

Noon Year’s Eve

No need to stay up until midnight to celebrate the New Year. We’re throwing a party at the library, with a puppet show, ice cream cups and face painting! The hilarious, interactive puppet show is a wacky version of The Boy Who Cried Wolf, brought to us by Puppet Art Theater. Pre-registration is required. Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 10:45 a.m.–noon at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Spots are going fast. Register now.

Kelly Field – Parking lot closures for construction

Installation of solar panel carports at the Kelly Field parking lot, 100 Terminal Ave., started on Wednesday, Dec. 17, and is expected to continue through April 2026. Construction will take place Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. The parking lot will be closed during construction, but the Kelly Park track and field will remain open and accessible. We encourage carpooling or public transportation to the park during construction due to limited parking. We thank you for your understanding and patience. Learn more.

Winter hours

The City of Menlo Park’s Library and Community Services facilities will have modified schedules during the Winter holidays. Additionally, the pools will close from Dec. 24, 2025–Jan. 1, 2026. See a full list of open hours.

We wish you all a wonderful and restful season and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2026!

Tin Art Workshop (Ages eight–adult)

Learn about Repujado, a form of Mexican tin art, during a fun, hands-on workshop led by teaching artist Rachel-Anne Palacios. Create your own piece of art to take home on Sunday, Dec. 28, from noon–1:30 p.m. at the Makerspace, Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

More free literary and cultural programs  

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

• Winter Reads is full steam ahead. Winter readers are powering through their goals! Set a new goal and try to double your original reading goal through the winter season. The City of Menlo Park's "Winter Reads" program is open to all ages. Anyone can participate by signing up between now and Jan. 17, 2026. Achieve your reading goals and earn a free book or a Kepler's gift card donated by Friends of Menlo Park Library. Learn more.
• Sensory-friendly film series. Join us for a sensory-friendly showing of the beloved Disney film, Raya and the Last Dragon. Sensory-friendly shows are an experience for all families, designed with special needs in mind. Admission is free and no registration is required. A caregiver or parent must be present with each child. Watch with us on Friday, Dec. 26, at 11:30 a.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
• English Conversation Club. Meet other English language learners and work with our literacy staff and volunteer tutors. Join us from noon–1 p.m. on Tuesdays at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., or on Saturdays at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave.  
• 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.
• Teen Media Nights. Teens, come watch movies and play video games in the library! Join us on Wednesdays from 3:30–5:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave., or Fridays from 3:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. 
• Middle Grade Book Group. Readers in grades six–12, join us to discuss this month's book, Sona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca. Participate on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
• 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 over a cup of tea. Participate on Sunday, Dec. 21, from 3–4 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
• Family Concert with Soul 4Kidz. Listen to your favorite children's songs with a soulful twist! Sing and dance along with Soul 4Kidz as they perform their versions of classic hits, such as Baby Shark, the Wheels on the Bus, Three Little Birds and many more. Join us on Sunday, Dec. 21, from 11–11:45 a.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
• Sci-Fi Fantasy Book Group. Join us in person or online for this month's book group meeting to talk about a pair of great tales: The Tusks of Extinction by Ray Naylor and Feed Them Silence by Lee Mandelo. Participate online via Zoom or at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave., on Monday, Dec. 22, from 6:30–7:45 p.m. Learn more.
• Music with Extended Roots. Join us for a fun acoustic performance of Irish music and more! Participate on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, from 1–2 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
• Native Bird Connections. View native birds and learn their stories. Join Native Bird Connections for a journey into the world of raptors, also known as birds of prey. Participate on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, from 1–2 p.m. 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!

Aquatics survey 

The City of Menlo Park is interested in hearing residents' views about the City's aquatics programs. The City owns two aquatics centers: Belle Haven Pool at 100 Terminal Ave. and Burgess Pool at 501 Laurel Ave. Menlo Swim and Sport operates both pools under contract with the City of Menlo Park. Please share your views by taking this quick seven-minute survey by Jan. 18, 2026. Your feedback helps us to improve. Thank you for your help!