Quotes of the week

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues." – Cicero

"Be present in all things and thankful for all things." – Maya Angelou

“We should just be thankful for being together. I think that’s what they mean by Thanksgiving, Charlie Brown.” – Charles Schultz (as Marcie in A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving)

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them." – John F. Kennedy

City libraries and recreation centers closed Nov. 27-28

City libraries and recreation facilities will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28, in observance of Thanksgiving. Belle Haven Pool and Burgess Pool will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27. Both pools will be open on Friday, Nov. 28: Burgess Pool at 9 a.m. and Belle Haven at 10 a.m. 

Where to get help with groceries, hot meals and other food 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.

Activity Guide – recreation classes winter 2026

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. 

The winter 2026 catalog of classes is now available for viewing. Check out our online Activity Guide to plan your winter session. 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. 

The 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. 

Today is Storytelling 101. Fire up your imagination, sharpen your public speaking skills and have fun! Join us today, Nov. 22, from 2–3:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

Tuesday, Dec. 2, is Storyteller Regina Stoops: Coming Out – Again. Growing up in a town called Normal, Regina felt her life was anything but. Regina's tales are infused with candid humor, illuminating the struggles and strengths of the human condition. Participate on Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 6:30–7:30 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.

• Sensory-friendly film. Join us for a sensory-friendly showing of the beloved Disney film, Tangled. 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, Dec. 5, 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. 
• 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 at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave., on Monday, Nov. 24, from 6:30–7:45 p.m. Learn more.
• Melanated Women Read: Devil in a Blue Dress. Melanated Women Read is a book discussion group by and especially for Black women. This month, we discuss Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley. Join us online via Zoom on Monday, Dec. 1, from 6:30–8 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!

Enjoy these City-hosted winter festivities 

Cozy reads, twinkling lights, hot chocolate and photos with Santa. 'Tis the season to join the City of Menlo Park for these festive, family-friendly events and activities.

• Cocoa at the Campus, Dec. 1
• Shop Local! Light Up the Season, Dec. 5
• Photos with Santa, Dec. 13
• "Winter Reads" community reading game

A Night at the Library 

For adults 21 and older. Don your finest footwear and join us at a special romantasy-inspired gala, complete with dinner, drinks and dancing. Participants are highly encouraged to dress up as their favorite romance, fantasy or fairytale character or to don their best evening wear.

Pre-registration is required. All attendees must have a ticket and be able to show valid government-issued photo identification at the door. The total number of tickets is limited and there will be a limited number of tickets available at the door on the day of the event. This event received funding support from Menlo Park Library Foundation. Join us on Friday, Dec. 12, at 8 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

Disaster preparedness: Build a “go bag” emergency supply kit 

The new year is a time of resolution, renewal and resolve. It’s also a great time to create or replenish your family’s disaster preparedness kit. 

There are five basics you should stock for your home: food, water, first aid supplies, clothing and tools. Also, consider special items such as medications. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container, such as a covered trash container, a camping backpack or a duffle bag. Also, keep a pair of old shoes and a flashlight handy in case of a sudden evacuation at night. 

Suggested items for a “go bag” kit include:

• Three-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day)
• Non-perishable food for all family members and pets (three-day supply)
• First aid kit and sanitation supplies
• Flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries
• An extra set of car keys, credit cards and cash
• Extra eyeglasses, contact lenses, prescriptions and medications
• Important family documents and contact numbers, including insurance documents
• Map marked with evacuation routes
• Easily carried valuables and irreplaceable items
• Personal electronic devices and chargers
• Face coverings (at least two per person)
• Sanitization supplies (hand sanitizer, sanitization wipes and soap)

The City of Menlo Park provides critical information and resources to help residents address emergencies. Check our website for more emergency preparedness tips and resources.