Quote of the week

"Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered, I have fought my way here to the castle beyond the Goblin City to take back the child you have stolen, for my will is as strong as yours and my kingdom as great. You have no power over me!"

– Jim Henson, Labyrinth

Summer Reading Game has begun!

The Summer Reading Game has officially started! The Summer Reading Game will help keep your reading skills sharp through the summer months as you discover great books, enjoy in-person and online activities and earn prizes sponsored by Friends of Menlo Park Library. Players of all ages are welcome to join and can win free books. Participate through Aug. 31. Learn more.

Menlo Park Kids Triathlon Road Closures

Tomorrow, June 7, prepare for road closures from 7 a.m.–noon during the Menlo Park Kids Triathlon, which will take place from 8–11 a.m.
 
Impacted street closures include:  

• Alma Street at the Library 
• Willow Road
• Willow Road at Alma Street
• Burgess Road
• Waverly Street
• Sherwood Way

Please exercise caution around the race area and look out for children. Learn more.

Teen Media Nights

Join us for Teen Media Wednesdays, where we will either watch a film or play video games in the library Teen Zone. Snacks are provided. Participate on Wednesday, June 10, from 3:30–5:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave., or Friday, June 12, from 3:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St.

Juneteenth Celebration

Join us as we celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Attendees will enjoy resources and vendors, family activities, food for purchase and free treats, plus cultural entertainment, including storytelling and a Caribbean music performance by Asheba, Myke tha Kidd and Menlo Park Soul Line Dancers. Participate on Friday, June 19, from 5–8 p.m. at Belle Haven Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

4th of July community parade, picnic and circus

Back by popular demand! The City of Menlo Park invites you to celebrate the 4th of July and America's 250th anniversary with a community parade, picnic and free, all-new performances by Circus Bella. Bring a picnic basket and blanket, join the parade and get ready for a memorable day of celebration and entertainment. Please register in advance to receive important event information and the chance to win prizes. Join us on Saturday, July 4, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Burgess Park, 701 Laurel St. Admission is free. Learn more.

Summer Puppetry Festival: The Science and Psychology of Muppet Design

Presenting our 9th Annual Summer Puppetry Festival! Each summer, the City of Menlo Park celebrates the art of puppetry in its many forms, with a series of puppet shows and related events featuring beloved performers from throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Drop in for one event or join us for the entire series. Next week, we'll be learning the science behind what makes characters like the Muppets so irresistibly appealing. Participate on Monday, June 15, from 6–7:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more and view the full series.

Memorial bench dedication honoring Bo Crane

Join us next Saturday, June 13, at 10 a.m. in Fremont Park for the dedication of a memorial bench honoring the life of Robert "Bo" Crane. Bo was an author of local history, a gifted storyteller who led historical walking tours and a passionate volunteer whose work and life enriched our community. The City is proud to have partnered with the Menlo Park Historical Association and our Public Works team to install this bench. Learn more.

Summer Concert Series begins July 8

Get ready for an incredible summer of music and fun at Fremont Park and Karl E. Clark Park with the City of Menlo Park's Summer Concert Series! Grab your lawn chairs, blankets and all your favorite picnic essentials as you enjoy music at twilight with your family and friends. All concerts start at 6 p.m. The series begins July 8 and runs weekly through Aug. 12. See specific dates, locations and bands.

Summer Flavorings and Herbs in Your Garden

Join us for a special in-person, hands-on edition of our Garden Talk on the library patio, featuring an outdoor demonstration on growing herbs and flavor combinations. Some small samples will be available to take home. Participate on Saturday, June 6, from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

More free literary and cultural programs 

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

• 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.
• Blake Maxam: The Magic of Ahs! Get ready for a magical time, as Blake Maxam astounds and amazes children of all ages with a show full of laughter and surprises. Participate on Sunday, June 7, from 11–11:45 a.m. at Belle Haven library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
• California Book Group. Join our California Book Group to discuss Fuzz by Mary Roach. Participate on Sunday, June 7, from 3–4:15 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
• Pronouns 101. Become a pronoun pro at our Pronouns 101 workshop. Participate on Monday, June 8, from 6–7:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
• Fiction Book Group. Join us online to discuss Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. Participate online via Zoom on Tuesday, June 9, from 6:30–7:45 p.m. Learn more.

• Library Makes. Join us for an afternoon of crafting Fuse Beads! Participate on Saturday, June 13, from 2–3:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Library in the Makerspace, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

• Teen Book Group. Check out our book group, just for ages 12–17! Join us to discuss this month's book, This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron. Participate on Tuesday, June 16, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. 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!