Spooky quotes of the week

"There is something haunting in the light of the moon."
– Joseph Conrad

"I knew nothing but shadows and I thought them to be real."
– Oscar Wilde

"They cannot be seen because they creep only in the dark."
– H.P. Lovecraft

"Evil has only the power that we give it." 
– Ray Bradbury

"Every day is Halloween, isn’t it? For some of us."
– Tim Burton

‘Tis Halloweek!

Grab your broomsticks, the time is nigh for these frightfully fun, family-friendly events for all the ghouls, ghosts and goblins to enjoy:

• Halloween Parade and Carnival. Join us today, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at Fremont Park. 
• Pumpkin Splash. The Burgess Pool event is sold out, but there are a few spots left at Belle Haven Pool on Sunday, Oct. 26. Act fast to reserve your spot!  
• Trunk-or-Treat. Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 4:30–6 p.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. 

City libraries and recreation centers closed Saturday, Oct. 25

City of Menlo Park libraries and recreation centers will be closed on Saturday, Oct. 25, to allow staff to support the Halloween Parade and Carnival event. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We hope you can join us at the festivities!

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. Come for one performance or many! 

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! 
  • 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 Wednesdays. Teens, come watch movies and play video games in the library! Join us on Wednesdays from 3:30–5:30 p.m. in the Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave., or Fridays from 3:30–5:30 p.m. in the Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. 
• Sci-Fi Fantasy Book Group: Vampire Weekend. Being a vampire is far from glamorous...but it can be pretty punk rock. Join us at this month's book group meeting to talk about Vampire Weekend by Mike Chen online via Zoom on Monday, Oct. 27, from 6:30–7:45 p.m. Learn more.
• Film: Día de Los Muertos (concert). Join us for an hour of great music and beautiful tradition! Participate on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 6–7 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
• Music with the Miles Ahead Big Band. Enjoy a jazz concert with some of the Bay Area’s best young musicians! Join us on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 1–2 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. 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!

Adult swim lessons – Weekday evenings at Belle Haven Pool 

Perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to feel more confident in the water, these small classes (3:1 ratio) provide personalized instruction in a relaxed, supportive setting. Menlo Park resident and hyperlocal resident discounts are available. Classes are offered Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Belle Haven Pool, 100 Terminal Ave. Visit the website or call 650-781-5525 for fees and to sign up.

Belle Haven Pool "hybrid model" task force meeting 

If you are a resident of the Belle Haven neighborhood who is interested in Belle Haven Pool, then you are encouraged to attend the next meeting of the Belle Haven Pool "hybrid model" task force. The purpose of the group is to gather neighborhood-oriented feedback and ideas to help shape and develop a potential "hybrid" operating model at Belle Haven Pool for future consideration by City Council. Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 6–7:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

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.