Quote of the week

"And when I think of you and the love we once knew
How I wish we could go back in time
Do you ever recall these old mem'ries at all
Or do I ever cross your mind?"

– Dolly Parton, Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?

Family Fun Night at Belle Haven Pool

Join us at Family Fun Night for an evening of water games, music and plenty of time to play in the pool with the whole family. No registration is required. Family Fun Night is included with your regular Open Swim admission. Join us on Friday, Sept. 25, from 5–7 p.m. at Belle Haven Pool, 100 Terminal Ave.! Learn more.

Bailar!

Join us for Bailar! a family-friendly afternoon of music, dancing and cultural connections. You’ll enjoy a Kids Zone, dancing, live dance performances, local business recognitions and a showcase of unique cars. Participate on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at Kelly Park, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

Preschool spaces now open

Menlo Children's Center now has openings for children ages 18 months through 5 years (pre-kindergarten). Our play-based preschool program provides a welcoming environment where children can build friendships, confidence, independence and a love of learning. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis and parents must tour the preschool before enrolling. To get started, complete an interest form and a member of our team will contact you to schedule a tour and share next steps. Learn more.

Imagination Library of San Mateo County

Founded by Dolly Parton to support early literacy, the Imagination Library of San Mateo County invites families to sign up to receive free, monthly books by mail for children ages 0–5.

Imagination Library is offered around the world (including Menlo Park) through partnerships with local organizations. In San Mateo County, the Imagination Library is made possible by the Foundation for San Mateo County Libraries, its Friends of the Library groups and its partnership with San Mateo County Libraries. Learn more or sign up.

11th Annual Storytelling Festival

Our 11th Annual Storytelling Festival kicks off with Kenyan-born performer Clara Kamunde, igniting our imaginations with African "How & Why" and "Origins" tales! This is the first event in a nine-part storytelling series that celebrates the ancient human art of sharing our stories with one another. Join us on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 11–11:45 a.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

Sound the Alarm

Having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death from fires by half. That's why the American Red Cross is rallying volunteers to install free smoke alarms, help create escape plans and share fire safety information in the Belle Haven neighborhood. Participate on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Hamilton Park, 531 Hamilton Ave. Learn more.

Costumes for Kindness

We're holding a costume drive for students in kindergarten through eighth grade! Your donation can help make a child's Halloween unforgettable. Donations will go directly to KIPP Elementary and Middle School students. Drop off your new or gently used costumes during business hours at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 700 Alma St., or the Arrillaga Family Gymnasium, 600 Alma St., between Sept. 27 and Oct. 23. 

Seed Share

Garden lovers, join us for a special seed-sharing event. You can receive homegrown seeds and plant starts. If you have clean, dry, labeled seeds to share, bring them along! All are invited to attend. You do not have to bring seeds to participate in the seed share. Join us on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

Breathe California

Breathe California fights lung disease in all its forms and works with communities to promote lung health. Join Breathe California for a free presentation to learn about the effects of tobacco use, secondhand smoke exposure, its effects on communities and neighborhoods and what you can do to reduce exposure. Participate on Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, Sequoia Room, 700 Alma St.

More free literary and cultural programs 

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

• Global Language Storytime. Join us for a special storytime in Persian! Participate on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 12:15–12:45 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

• Middle Grade Book Group (ages 6–12). Join us to discuss this month's book, The No-Brainer's Guide to Decomposition by Adrianna Cuevas! Participate on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. Learn more. 

• Tea and Tarot. Join us for tea and conversation around the tarot deck. Socialize and practice your skills reading the tarot. Although this isn't an instructional course, meet like-minded people who can share their tarot experiences. Tea will be provided, but don't forget to bring your favorite deck. Participate on Sunday, Sept. 20, from 3–4 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

• Mental Health 101. Learn more about mental health conditions, how to support people in your communities and how to care for your own mental wellness. Join us on Monday, Sept. 21, from 6–7 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

• Cozy Coloring Corner. Bring your own materials and join us to color or sketch in the library! We'll provide coloring sheets and colored pencils and put together a still life for you to try your hand at. All levels are welcome. Join us on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 2–3:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

• Sci-Fi Fantasy Book Group. Join our Science-Fiction & Fantasy Book Group online or in person to discuss The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Participate on Monday, Sept. 28, from 6:30–7:45 p.m. online via Zoom or in person 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!