Quote of the week

"It's never too late. Don't focus on what was taken away. Find something to replace it, and acknowledge the blessing you have."
– Drew Barrymore

Adult swim lessons at Belle Haven Pool

Adult swim lessons are now available weekday evenings at Belle Haven Pool. They are perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to feel more confident in the water. The lessons have small class sizes (3:1 ratio) to provide personalized instruction in a relaxed, supportive setting. Resident and Belle Haven hyperlocal resident discounts are available. Instructors are bilingual in English and Spanish. Join us on Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m. or 6 p.m. Register for November lessons.

Heart of downtown at Fremont Park

Located on Santa Cruz Avenue at University Drive, Fremont Park is at the historic heart of downtown Menlo Park. Nestled alongside local shops, restaurants and other small businesses, the park is a compact but vibrant hub of activity and is home to major community festivals, from the Summer Music in the Park free concerts to the Shop Local! Light Up the Season winter celebration.

Today, it is a beloved community destination with benches, mature trees, a grass lawn area and walking paths. The park is also steeped in history. When the United States entered World War I in 1917, Menlo Park was chosen as the site for a military training ground because its landscape and topography were similar to the French countryside. Learn more.

Create Native American game sticks

Learn about traditional Native American games and make a simple set of game sticks to take home. Many games played today have their origins in Native American cultures. Join us to learn about traditional games played by a number of California tribes. We’ll see traditional game sticks and then we will create our own simplified version, drawing simple geometric designs on craft sticks. Participate on Monday, Nov. 17, from 6–7 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

Today: "Winter Reads" community reading game begins

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. Participate by signing up and achieving your reading goals before Jan. 17 to earn a free book or a Kepler's gift card donated by Friends of Menlo Park Library!

Today: Friends of the Library book sale  

Last chance to get a great deal on used books! Join us today until 2 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., for a huge book sale for a great cause. There are 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 and all book sale proceeds support library programs and events. Learn more.

This weekend – 10th Annual Storytelling Festival  

Join us for the 10th Annual Menlo Park Storytelling Festival, where we celebrate the ancient art form of storytelling, which predates libraries, books and writing, and it's not just for children. Coming up this week: 

• Today at 2 p.m., join us for Tellabration™, a worldwide storytelling event that brings people together and shares the power and joy of storytelling. Suitable for ages six and older. Experience the show at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

• Tomorrow is Asian Storytopia! Enjoy fun Asian folk tales for the whole family! Participate on Sunday, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m.–noon at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

• Next Saturday is Storytelling 101. Fire up your imagination, sharpen your public speaking skills and have fun! Join us on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 2–3:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 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.

• Tea and Tarot. Join us tomorrow for tea and conversation around the tarot deck. Decks won't be provided, but tea and tarot-themed book recommendations will, so prepare to get cozy and pull some cards. This free event received funding support from the Friends of the Menlo Park Library. Participate on Sunday, Nov. 16, from 3–4 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
• Sensory-friendly film. Join us for a sensory-friendly showing of the beloved Disney film, The Princess and the Frog. 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. 21, 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! 
  • 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.
• 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 Fridays from 3:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. 
• Middle Grade Book Group: Old School. Readers ages six–12, join us to discuss this month's book, Old School by Gordon Korman. Participate on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
• Mystery Readers Group: The Detection Club (The Early Years). Join us as we explore the thrilling works of The Detection Club, the world's oldest and most exclusive mystery writing society. Participate online via Zoom on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 6–7:15 p.m. Learn more.
• Teen Book Group. Teens, join us this month to discuss The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
• Sci-Fi Fantasy Book Group. Join us in person or online for this month's book group meeting to talk about Redwall by Brian Jacques. Participate online via Zoom or in person at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave., on Monday, Nov. 24, from 6:30–7:45 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!

“Light up the Season” with City-hosted celebrations 

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

Cocoa at the Campus
Join us for this free, family-friendly event with a youth dance performance, hot cocoa, mini churros (quantities of hot cocoa and churros are limited) and an outdoor tree lighting. Participate on Monday, Dec. 1, from 6–7 p.m. at the Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

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. Shop and dine at local Menlo Park small businesses while you are downtown. All ages are welcome. Join us 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, seasonal 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. Get tickets.

Get help with groceries, hot meals and other assistance 

The City of Menlo Park has compiled a list of places to find locally available free groceries, meals, to-go boxes and financial assistance for food-related needs. Check our Community Resources webpage for directories and information about local organizations.