Quote of the week

"Throughout the collie and shepherd years, we had a succession of drowsy, secretive cats who seemed to share a unique bond with our mother. 'It's because I open their cans,' she said, though we all knew it ran deeper than that. What they had in common was their claws. That and a deep-seated need to destroy my father's golf bag."

– David Sedaris, Me Talk Pretty One Day

Wednesday is Library Adventure – A Journey Through Oz! (All-ages)

Suit up for adventure and join Toto on the way to the Wonderful World of Oz, where you'll journey down the yellow brick road on a self-led quest to discover the secrets of the Belle Haven Library. Join us on Wednesday, July 15, from 3:30–7 p.m. at the Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

Summer Concert Series

Bring a nickel, tap your feet, down on the corner, out here in the street, pack a chair or blanket and your favorite picnic essentials as you enjoy music at twilight with your family and friends. Concerts start at 6 p.m. and run weekly through Aug. 12. See the full series lineup and details.

Join us for our next concert on Wednesday, July 15, at Fremont Park, featuring the Fog City Swampers, a Classic Rock/Credence Clearwater Revival Tribute Band.

Comics Plus – Digital comics from the library

There's a new way to read comics, graphic novels and manga from the Menlo Park Library. With Comics Plus, Menlo Park residents can have unlimited access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels and manga from dozens of major publishers. Every title is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on your computer, tablet or phone. No holds or wait lists are required. Start reading now by downloading the LibraryPass app. Learn more.

What your librarians are reading

Last week, you loved seeing your local librarians' favorite and current reads! This week, we're asking you to weigh in: are you team cat or team dog? Your click will count as your vote. 

• I'm team cat! Carefully curated, entirely cat-centered reads.
• I'm team dog! Dogs, dogs and more dog books.
• I like them both! A reading list for kids featuring pets of all types.

See a book you want to try? Place a hold and pick it up at your local library.

Wildmind Science Learning presents Bay Area Wild

Join us for a wild time outside the library! Science educators from Wildmind Science Learning are bringing some of their resident animal ambassadors for a very special assembly.

Our teachers who may visit are:

• Grey Fox
• Kingsnake
• Red-Tailed Hawk
• Skunk

Participate on Thursday, July 16, from 10:15–11 a.m. at Menlo Park Library lawn, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

This Tuesday, come out and PlayLOCAL!

Come out and play with us as we celebrate Parks and Recreation Month! Bike, walk or run to your local park to join us for PlayLOCAL!, an hour of guided outdoor play and games at your local park. Pack a picnic and blanket to stay and chat with your friends and neighbors afterward. PlayLOCAL! is held from 11 a.m.–noon each Tuesday in July and Saturday, Aug. 8, when a bubbly surprise will pop up at the PlayLOCAL! series finale at Willow Oaks Park. Click any event in the series to learn more.

• July 14, Karl E. Clark Park
• July 21, Burgess Park playground
• July 28, Sharon Park playground
• Aug. 8, Willow Oaks Park

Drop-in Chess Play

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

Menlo Park Dog Parks

Looking for a place where your dog can have off-leash fun? Stop by one of our dog park areas!

• Nealon Park: Monday–Friday from 8–10 a.m.
• Willow Oaks Park: Open seven days a week from 7 a.m. until sundown.

More free literary and cultural programs 

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

• Music with Los Panaderos. Join us for a free Mexican Folk music concert at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave., on Saturday, July 11, from 1–2 p.m. Learn more.

• Library Makes. Join us for an afternoon crafting fish drawstring bags in the Makerspace of Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave., on Saturday, July 11, from 2–3:30 p.m. Learn more.

• Storyteller Kirk Waller: Far Away & Long Ago. Kirk Waller mesmerizes young and old with his tales from far away and long ago. Enjoy his tale at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave., on Sunday, July 12, from 11–11:45 a.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 just like to sit and listen — let’s enjoy some wonderful poetry together. Join us at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., on Monday, July 13, from 6–7:15 p.m. Learn more.

• Fiction Book Group. Join us online via Zoom to discuss James by Percival Everett on Tuesday, July 14, from 6:30–7:45 p.m. Learn more.

• Middle Grade Book Group. Ages six–12, join us to discuss Like a Charm by Elle McNicoll. Participate on Thursday, July 16, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave., or on Saturday, July 18, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St.

• Create Shadow Puppets. Adults and youth (ages eight and older): As our Summer Puppetry Festival continues, learn about the art of shadow puppetry and create your own shadow puppet! Participate on Saturday, July 18, from 2–3:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, Makerspace, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

• Tea and Tarot. Join us for tea and conversation around the tarot deck. Participate on Sunday, July 19, from 3–4 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

Swim Lessons in Menlo Park

Don't miss out on summer swim lessons! Menlo Swim & Sport offers lessons Monday–Thursday (four lessons per session) or Saturday single-booking lessons at Belle Haven and Burgess Pools. Sunday single bookings are also available at Burgess Pool. Sessions are open through Aug. 30. Resident discounts, Belle Haven Hyperlocal discounts and scholarships are available. Learn more and book your summer lesson!

Disability Pride Month

July is Disability Pride Month, and we have a series of reading lists for it! 

• Graphic Novels for Disability Pride Month
• Disability Pride Month: Books for Younger Kids
• Disability Pride Month: Books for Older Kids
• Teen Books for Neurodiversity and Disability Pride

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!