Adults

 Menlo Park Storytelling Festival

Storyteller in front of audienceSeptember 7-October 2, 2019: It’s time for our 4th Annual Storytelling Festival! Join us as we welcome professional talent visiting us from around the state, the country—and the world. We'll have evening performances every Wednesday, and several afternoon and weekend events along the way.

Menlo Park StoryFestSat., Sept. 7
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Main Library
For the first time since 2016: a variety of storytellers come together to share tales from around the world!
Alicia Retes
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La		Sun., Sept. 8
2-3 p.m.
Belle Haven Branch		Alicia’s interactive Native tale will incorporate songs and California Native musical instruments.
Tom and Sandy Farley:
A Cup of Coffee: Stories from Kosovo and Beyond		Weds., Sept. 11
7-8 p.m.
Main Library		The “Spontaneous Combustion” duo shares tales for times of fear and anger.
Seung Ah Kim
Princess Bari		Weds., Sept. 18
7-8 p.m.
Main Library		Cursed royalty, an abandoned baby, and a trip to the underworld: on tour from her home in South Korea, Seung Ah shares one of the oldest and best-known epics in Korean mythology.
John Weaver
Legends and Laughter		Thurs., Sept. 19
4-4:45 p.m.
Main Library		Wild journeys, hilarious misunderstandings: you never know what you might get .
Bobby Norfolk
Tales of Mystery and Suspense		Weds., Sept. 25
7-8 p.m.
Main Library		On tour from St. Louis, Bobby will keep you on the edge of your seat with a spellbinding roller coaster ride of “jump” tales and comic relief.
Olga Loya
Singing and Dancing Through Stories		Sun., Sept 29
2-3 p.m.
Belle Haven Branch		Celebrate through dancing and singing as you hear folk tales, personal stories and myths.
Belonging in the USA: The Story of Michael D. McCartyMon., Sept. 30
7-8:30 p.m.
Main Library		Film Screening and Discussion: Now a famed storyteller, Michael evolved from aspiring scientist to Black Panther Party member, from FBI target to soldier, from drug addict to ashram devotee. These twists and turns will inspire hope and laughter. After the film, Michael will join us via video conference!
Michael Katz
Far Away and Close to Home		Weds., Oct. 2
7-8 p.m.
Main Library		Take an enjoyable and magical journey within folktales of other lands, while reflecting on stories at home.

The Day the Music Died

Roadside marker memorial: Large Buddy Holly-style glasses on postsTuesday, September 17: (Main Library) Listen to the music of Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and The Big Bopper, and learn more about their lives and legacies. 

Ho'omana Hawaiian Band

Hoomana-with-leisSaturday, September 21: (Belle Haven Branch Library) Live music! Fresh arrangements of traditional and contemporary Hawaiian songs with beautiful three-part harmonies.

Film Screening and Discussion: "The S Word"
People in silhouette

Monday, September 23: (Main Library) A screening in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, followed by a discussion facilitated by members of StarVista's Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Center.

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club

Book coversEscape to other worlds through sci-fi, fantasy, horror, dystopia, and more. Meets at the Main Library on the 4th Monday of each month from 7:15-8:30 p.m.

September 23:  "Every Heart a Doorway," by Seanan McGuire
October 28: "Dracula," by Bram Stoker

National Voter Registration Day

Register to Vote at Your Library

Tuesday, September 24: Not registered to vote yet? Stop by the Main Library or Belle Haven Branch Library, and volunteers from the League of Women Voters of South San Mateo County will help get you signed up! 

California's Changing Ecosystems:
As Observed from Space
Earth from space

Tuesday, September 24: (Main Library) How can satellite technology help us understand changes to our planet, and allow us to predict future changes?

The Climate Reality Project


Drawing of smiling globe
Saturday, October 5: (City Council Chambers) Get the latest data on the climate crisis, as well as information as to what we as individuals can do.  

Hip Hop Violin with Nate Guinto


Man playing violin
Saturday, October 12: (Belle Haven Branch) This is no ordinary violin recital!

More Than a Word: A Film About
Native American-Based Mascots


Man holding sign at protest
Monday, October 14: (Man Library) This documentary about Native American-based sports mascots and the Washington R*dskins analyzes the controversy over the Washington football team and its contentious name. 

Literature Book Club


Join us for our discussion group, which meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 7:15-8:30 p.m. Our club  discusses a wide range of contemporary literary works: novels, short stories, essays, and poetry. Our mission is to closely read a selection of literary works and discuss them in a spirit of curiosity and respect.

Knitting MeetupKnitting Group


Meet the 4th Wednesday of every month from 7-9 p.m. to crochet, knit, sew and laugh!  All skill levels welcome.

Film Discussion Meetup


Join us the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30-7:45 p.m. to informally discuss the movie playing at the Guild Movie Theater the weekend prior. We see the movie on our own and then meet in the library's downstairs meeting room to discuss it together in an informal and friendly environment. Snacks provided. Please contact Assistant Library Services Director Nick Szegda with any questions or for more information.

Board Game Meetup
Board games

Would you like to play a game? Drop in and join us on the first Sunday of each month, from 12:30-3:30 p.m., for a chance to relax and unwind with other adults! A variety of games will be provided, and our facilitator will help explain how to play. Feel free to bring a game of your own to share!