Quote of the week

“Take it easy, take it easy
Don’t let the sound of your own wheels
Drive you crazy.”  
— The Eagles, "Take It Easy"

City offices will be closed today, July 4, in observance of Independence Day and to support the 4th of July Community Parade, Picnic and Circus. Learn more.

The pools are open for the Fourth of July

Burgess and Belle Haven Pools will be open today, July 4! Burgess Pool opens at 6 a.m. for Lap Swimming, with Family Recreation Swim available from 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. in the Instructional/Recreational Pool and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. in the Wading Pool. Belle Haven Pool is open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. with Lap Swim, Open Swim and the Splash Pad available all day. Click these links to check out the Burgess Pool schedule and Belle Haven Pool schedule for this holiday weekend.

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

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

Summer Concert Series

Take it easy and 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 from July 8 through Aug. 12. See full series lineup and details.

July 8, Fremont Park – Boys of Summer, Eagles Tribute
July 15, Fremont Park – Fog City Swampers, Classic Rock/Credence Clearwater Revival Tribute

What your librarians are reading

At Menlo Park Library, we love connecting you with great books. This month, Menlo Park librarians are pulling back the curtain and sharing two specially curated reading lists:

• Menlo Park Librarian Picks: All-Time Favorites – The reads that have stayed with us.
• Menlo Park Librarian Picks: Current Reads – Featuring fresh reads that we can't put down!

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

This Tuesday, come out and PlayLOCAL!

Come out and play with us as we celebrate Park 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 7, Nealon Park
• July 14, Karl E. Clark Park
• July 21, Burgess Park playground
• July 28, Sharon Park playground
• Aug. 8, Willow Oaks Park

Summer Puppetry Festival

Celebrate America's 250 birthday with Tall Tales and our puppet host, Clem the singing prospector, who will share some great American tunes as he spins stories from our colorful past. Join us at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., on Thursday, July 9, from 10:15–11 a.m. Learn more.

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.

More free literary and cultural programs 

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

• Melanated Women Read. Melanated Women Read is a book discussion group by and especially for Black women. This month, we will discuss All About Love by bell hooks. Join us online via Zoom on Monday, July 6, from 6:30–8 p.m. Learn more.

• English Conversation Club. Practice your English with people from all over the world! Participate at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., on Tuesday, July 7, from noon–1 p.m. Learn more.

• 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.

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!