Quote of the week

"It's my life, it's now or never. I ain't gonna live forever, I just want to live while I'm alive."

– Bon Jovi (Livin' on a Prayer, 1986)

Family Fun Night at Belle Haven Pool

Join us for Family Fun Night at Belle Haven Pool and dive into an under-the-sea adventure! Soak up the fun during an evening of water games, music and family fun. No registration is required. Access is included with Open Swim admission! Participate on Friday, July 24, from 5–7 p.m. at Belle Haven Pool, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

Summer Concert Series

80s and 90s dance music fans, our next summer concert is your time to shine! Pack a chair or blanket and your favorite picnic essentials as you enjoy music at twilight with your family and friends. See the full series lineup and details.

Enjoy Fast Times at Fremont Park on Wednesday, July 22, at 6 p.m. Concerts run weekly through Aug. 12.

Mister Softee is visiting PlayLOCAL! at Burgess Park

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. Plus, fan favorite ice cream vendor Mister Softee will be out selling treats to help beat the heat. PlayLOCAL! is held from 11 a.m.–noon each Tuesday in July and Saturday, Aug. 8.

• July 21, Burgess Park playground
• July 28, Sharon Park playground
• Aug. 8, Willow Oaks Park (with a bubble surprise)

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Join us for a huge book sale! The Friends of the Library have thousands of items to offer in all categories. Most items are priced at $1 or $2. All funds raised support library programs and events. Participate on Friday, July 24, from 2–5 p.m. and Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Available items include:

• Adult fiction and non-fiction
• Children's books 
• CDs
• DVDs
• Collectibles
• Board games
• Puzzles

Learn more.

Create Shadow Puppets today! 

As our Summer Puppetry Festival continues, learn about the art of shadow puppetry and create your own shadow puppet! Participants aged eight and older are invited to join us today, July 18, from 2–3:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, Makerspace, 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.

• Middle Grade Book Group. Ages six–12, join us to discuss Like a Charm by Elle McNicoll. Participate today, July 18, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St.

• 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.

• Teen Book Group. Teens ages 12–17, join us to discuss this month's book, Where You See Yourself by Claire Forrest. Participate on Tuesday, July 21, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

• Mystery Readers Group: Dark Academia. Join our Mystery Readers Group to share reading different books in the same genre or theme. This month's theme is Dark Academia. Participate online via Zoom on Tuesday, July 21, from 6–7:15 p.m. Learn more.

• Rockin' Kids Sing-Along. Join us outside the library and rock along to a mix of original children's music, nursery rhymes and rock 'n roll favorites. Participate on Thursday, July 23, from 10:15–11 a.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

• The Art of the Puppet. Enjoy an interactive presentation on the art of puppetry, from creation to performance. Join us on Sunday, July 26, from 11–11:45 a.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

• Sci-Fi Fantasy Book Group. Join our Science-Fiction & Fantasy Book Group to discuss The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean. Participate online via Zoom or in person at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave., on Monday, July 27, from 6:30–7:45 p.m. 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!

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!