What we’re about
The City of Menlo Park's libraries offer a variety of programs, including art events, author talks, info sessions, craft sessions, music events, and more. To make the most of our programming efforts and this meetup page, we’d love for you to get involved. If you come to a program, say hi and let us know you saw it on meetup. If you have an idea for something you’d like to see at the library, send us a message. The library is a great space for community meetups and we’d love to play a role in making those connections!
See more events at our calendar, and check our hours and holiday closures.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Summer Puppetry Festival: Author AppearanceMenlo Park Library, Menlo Park, CA
Meet the authors of A Century of California Puppetry: How the West was Strung, a book sharing the fascinating history of puppetry and puppeteers in California since the late 1800's.
The 8th Annual Menlo Park Summer Puppetry Festival with a look at California’s history of puppets.
Randal J. Metz and Kevin Menegus, each well-established puppetry artists themselves, dove into California's century-plus of puppetry—from rustic performances during the Gold Rush, to large touring companies playing in vaudeville houses, to small troupes during and after the Depression, to television, theme parks, and beyond.
The authors will share fascinating stories of puppetry throughout the years.
About the Summer Puppetry Festival:
We’re presenting our 8th Annual Summer Puppetry Festival! Menlo Park celebrates puppetry in its many forms, with a series of puppet shows and related events featuring beloved performers from throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Drop in for one event, or join us for the entire series.
Performances:
| June 29 | The Puppet Company | Belle Haven Library |
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| July 27 | Fratello Marionettes | Belle Haven Library |
| Aug. 10 | Steve Chaney & Corny Crow | Belle Haven Library |
| Aug. 22 | Bob Baker Marionette Theater | Menlo Park Library |
| Aug. 24 | Luce Puppet Company | Belle Haven Library |Other events:
| June 9 | Author talk: A Century of California Puppetry | Menlo Park Library |
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| June 24 | Documentary: I Am Big Bird | Menlo Park Library |
| July 22 | Mini-puppet workshop (Ages 4-7, with adult) | Belle Haven Library |This free program series received funding support from the Friends of the Menlo Park Library.
Monday, June 09, 2025 | 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park, CA, 94025More free events with Menlo Park Library
Menlo Park Library on social media:
@menloparklibrary on Instagram & Facebook
@menlolibrary on Twitter/X - Book Discussion: The Trees, by Percival EverettLink visible for attendees
Join our Fiction Book Group online to discuss The Trees, by Percival Everett.
When a pair of detectives from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation arrive to investigate a series of brutal murders in a rural town, they meet expected resistance from the local sheriff, his deputy, the coroner, and a string of racist townsfolk. The murders present a puzzle, for at each crime scene there is a second dead body: that of a man who resembles Emmett Till.
The detectives suspect that these are killings of retribution but discover that eerily similar murders are taking place all over the country. As the bodies pile up, the detectives uncover a history that refuses to be buried.
Menlo Park’s Fiction Book Group meets virtually on the second Tuesday of each month.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | 06:30 PM - 07:45 PM
Zoom webinarMore free events with Menlo Park Library
Menlo Park Library on social media:
@menloparklibrary on Instagram & Facebook
@menlolibrary on Twitter/X - Exhibition: Traveling StitchesMenlo Park Library, Menlo Park, CA
Visit the library to view handmade quilts created by men and women who have come to California from all over the world.
The Day Worker Center’s quilt project began in 2010; the idea was for the center’s users to create personal textile appliques, presenting and talking about them as a fun and interesting way to practice English. It turned out that each picture opened a window to the inner world of the individuals, and provided a focal point for conversation among them.
Each square depicts stories, memories, dreams, ideas, and hopes of the day workers. The design of the quilts illuminates each individual panel while creating a unity between them.
The quilts will be on display during library hours through June 24:
M-W Noon-8
Th-Sun 10-6
Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park, CA, 94025Join for a special program related to our exhibition:
- Tuesday, May 20: Day Worker Dreams: Traveling Stitches: Learn about the quilts from Center Director Maria Marroquin and art facilitator Naomi Zamir
More free events with Menlo Park Library
Menlo Park Library on social media:
@menloparklibrary on Instagram & Facebook
@menlolibrary on Twitter/X - Teen Media WednesdaysBelle Haven Library, Belle Haven Community Campus, Menlo Park, CA
Teens: we are now watching movies AND playing video games at the library! Join us for Teen Media Wednesdays, where we will either be watching a film or playing video games in the Teen Zone.
All films are rated PG-13 or lower and all video games are rated E10 or lower. Drop in and find out what the movie or game of the week is, and use the suggestion box in the Teen Zone to request future movies and games. Snacks are provided.
https://menlopark.gov/Government/Departments/Library-and-Community-Services/Events/Events-for-adults/202501-05-teen-media-wednesdays
This free event received funding support from the Friends of the Menlo Park Library.
More free events with Menlo Park Library:
https://menlopark.gov/programsMenlo Park Library on social media:
@menloparklibrary on Instagram & Facebook
@menlolibrary on Twitter
