Quote of the week

“In winter, we lead a more inward life. Our hearts are warm and cheery, like cottages under drifts, whose windows and doors are half concealed, but from whose chimneys the smoke cheerfully ascends.”

– Henry David Thoreau

 

Native American Heroes

November is National American Heritage Month. Join us to learn about some Native American heroes with Professor Paul Steward of San Francisco State University's American Indian Studies department. Professor Steward will lecture on some notable, resilient, remarkable indigenous people on Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. This free event received funding support from Friends of the Menlo Park Library. Learn more.

 

 

 

10th Annual Storytelling Festival starts Nov. 2

Join us for the 10th Annual Menlo Park Storytelling Festival! Storytelling is an ancient art form that predates libraries, books and writing, and it's not just for children. This year, we have six in-person performances, an international StoryFest online and a Storytelling 101 Workshop for those wanting to dip their toes into this oral tradition. Visit each event page for program details and age recommendations.

Sunday Nov. 2 Smiley Stories: Latin American Soul Belle Haven Library All ages
Wednesday Nov. 12 Odd Salon and Curiosity Guild Menlo Park Library Teen–adult
Saturday Nov. 15 Tellabration! ™ Belle Haven Library Six–adult
Sunday Nov. 16 Asian Storytopia Belle Haven Library "Eight–108"
Saturday Nov. 22 Storytelling 101 Workshop Belle Haven Library "Seven–97 and older"
Tuesday Dec. 2 Regina Stoops: Coming Out—Again Menlo Park Library Teen–adult
Friday Dec. 5 StoryFest Online via Zoom Six–adult
Sunday Dec. 7 Diane Ferlatte: Knick Knack Paddy Whack Belle Haven Library All ages

 

Learn more about Storytelling Festival

 

City libraries and recreation centers closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11

City of Menlo Park libraries and recreation centers will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

 

Friends of the Library book sale

Get a great deal on books! Join us for a huge book sale with thousands of items to choose from, including adult fiction, non-fiction, children's books, CDs, DVDs, collectibles and more. Most items are priced at $1 or $2. Cash and checks are accepted. Friends of Menlo Park Library is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization whose sole mission is to support Menlo Park’s public libraries. All book sale proceeds support library programs and events. Don’t miss this two-day sales event at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

  • Friday, Nov. 14, 2–5 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

 

"Winter Reads" community reading game 

End this year strong, keep reading through the winter season and kick-start the New Year as you read your way through the coziest time of the year. The City of Menlo Park's "Winter Reads" program is open to all ages. Anyone can participate by signing up on the Reader Zone App between Nov. 15 and Jan. 17. Achieve your reading goals and earn a free book or a Kepler's gift card donated by Friends of Menlo Park Library!

How to play: 

  1. Register or sign in to the Reader Zone app from Nov. 15–Jan. 17.
  2. Use program code 49DF4 to search for "Winter Reads."
  3. Join the reading group for your age range.
  4. Start reading! Log your reading progress using the Reader Zone mobile app or one of our tracking bookmarks.
  5. When you reach your goal, come back to the library by Jan. 17 and choose your prize!
Learn more about Menlo Park Winter Reads

 

Recreation classes – mark your calendar for winter enrollment! 

The City of Menlo Park hosts a wide range of high-quality recreation classes for all ages at reasonable rates, including fitness, dance, sports, gymnastics, music, drama, arts and crafts, lifelong learning and more. Winter enrollment opens on Saturday, Dec. 6, for Menlo Park residents. Check our online Activity Guide for more enrollment details, including early enrollment for hyperlocal residents.

See the Activity Guide to learn more about recreation classes

 

 

 

Catch our (free) shuttle to lunch at the Menlo Park Senior Center 

Grab a ride on the shuttle to have lunch at the Menlo Park Senior Center! Stop in for great food and good company. Lunch is available to seniors on weekdays for a suggested donation of $2.50. Check the shuttle schedule and November lunch menu to plan your visit.

 

 

Swim center hours sustained and restored effective Nov. 3 

At the Sept. 30 meeting, City Council approved funding to sustain and restore operating hours at City-owned swim centers for fiscal year 2025-26.

Belle Haven Pool hours of operation
Belle Haven Pool will continue to be open on its current schedule.

  • Monday: 9 a.m.–7 p.m. 
  • Tuesday: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m. 
  • Thursday: 9 a.m.–7 p.m. 
  • Friday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
  • Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Burgess Pool hours of operation
Burgess Pool, which experienced midday reductions in open hours, will return to full day, with uninterrupted hours beginning Nov. 3.

  • Monday: 6 a.m.–8 p.m. 
  • Tuesday: 6 a.m.–8 p.m. 
  • Wednesday: 6 a.m.–8 p.m. 
  • Thursday: 6 a.m.–8 p.m. 
  • Friday: 6 a.m.–7 p.m. 
  • Saturday: 6 a.m.–5:30 p.m. 
  • Sunday: 6 a.m.–5:30 p.m. 

For a daily schedule of pool activities, please visit the Menlo Swim and Sport website.

See the daily schedules at Belle Haven Pool

 

See the daily schedules at Burgess Pool

 

 

Save the dates: Light up the Season and Photos with Santa  

‘Tis the season to mark your calendars for these festive, family-friendly events hosted by the City of Menlo Park:

Shop local! Light Up the Season
Ring in the holiday shopping season with a festive "winter wonderland" themed event in downtown Menlo Park! Enjoy free family-friendly entertainment, youth performances, hot cocoa (quantities limited) and the tree lighting. We will be lighting our beautiful Menlo Park oak tree as we give our beloved pine tree a well-deserved break. Shop and dine at local Menlo Park small businesses while you are downtown. All ages are welcome. This event is rain or shine on Friday, Dec. 5, from 5:30–7 p.m. at Fremont Park, Santa Cruz Avenue at University Drive Learn more.

Photos with Santa 
Bring your camera and join us for holiday cheer with a delicious breakfast, fun holiday crafts and photos with the North Pole’s most famous inhabitant. Advance reservations are required and tickets are $5 per person. Join us on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. Tickets are available starting Monday, Nov. 3, at 9 a.m. Get tickets.

 

 

Free literary and cultural programs  

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

  • Sensory-friendly film: Mulan. Join us for a sensory-friendly showing of the beloved Disney film, Mulan. 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. Join us on Friday, Nov. 7, 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! 
  • 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 on Fridays from 3:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. 
  • Music with the Miles Ahead Big Band. Enjoy a jazz concert with some of the Bay Area’s best young musicians! Participate on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 1–2 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
  • Melanated Women Read. Melanated Women Read is a book discussion group by and especially for Black women. This month, we discuss The Women of Brewster Place by Gloria Naylor. Join us online via Zoom on Monday, Nov. 3, from 6:30–8 p.m. Learn more.
  • Garden Talk: Garden Books of 2025. Our gardening experts share some of the best books they’ve seen this year. Participate online via Zoom on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Learn more.
  • Global Language Storytime: Portuguese. Join us for a special storytime in Portuguese! Participate on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10:15–10:45 a.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!

See more free programs