About us
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
30
Mental Health Open Mic
Cafe Zoe, 1929 Menalto Avenue, Menlo Park, CA, USPlease join us out in the community for Menlo Park’s 8th Annual Mental Health Open Mic Night!
Musician and mental health advocate Frances Ancheta Becker will be our emcee for a special event at Café Zoe. Let’s bring our voices together—or feel free to come and share support as a listener--to increase awareness and inspire action to reduce stigma against those with mental health conditions.
Whether in sharing experience, music, storytelling, readings, or poetry, join us in a safe space where you can share your own words, or listen to those of others.
About Mental Health Month:
Each year, Menlo Park Library partners with San Mateo County Health’s Office of Diversity and Equity to observe Mental Health Month, supporting awareness and action to reduce stigma against those with mental health and substance use conditions.
During the month of May, Menlo Park presents free events offering information, support, and opportunities for reflection and self-care:
May 20: Building Brain-Healthy Habits
May 27: Mental Health Open MicThis free event received funding support from the Friends of the Menlo Park Library.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Cafe Zoe & Neighborhood Pizza Guy, 1929 Menalto Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025More free events with Menlo Park Library
Menlo Park Library on social media:
@menloparklibrary on Instagram & Facebook
@menlolibrary on Twitter/X4 attendees
Virtual Author Event with George Takei
Sign up for waiting list, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park, CA, USOne Book, One Coast—the largest book club on the West Coast—wraps up with a special visit from George Takei, author of They Called Us Enemy.
The graphic memoir recounts Takei’s childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. Confronting questions of patriotism, family, loyalty, and community, George’s work is a stunning examination of what it means to be American, both long ago and today.
George will sit down for an interview with LA County Library Director Dr. Skye Patrick and Cathy De Leon, Director of Long Beach Public Library. George will share the experiences that led to the creation of his memoir, what it means to be a good neighbor and citizen in the face of overwhelming challenges, and how shared books and stories build stronger communities.
Sunday, May 31, 2026 | 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Livestream (register for link)More free events with Menlo Park Library
Menlo Park Library on social media:
@menloparklibrary on Instagram & Facebook
@menlolibrary on Twitter/X4 attendees
Melanated Women Read: These Heathens
·OnlineOnlineMelanated Women Read is a book discussion group by and especially for Black women. This month we will discuss These Heathens, by Mia Mckenzie.
Where do you get an abortion in 1960 Georgia, especially if your town’s midwife goes to the same church as your parents? For 17-year-old Doris, the answer is Atlanta.
While waiting to hear from the doctor who has agreed to do the procedure, Doris finds herself scandalized by, but drawn to, celebrities, civil rights leaders, women who dance close together, and the transformative power of leaving your bubble, even for just one chaotic weekend.
About Melanated Women Read:
Melanated Women Read is a virtual book group that is by and especially for Black women. The purpose and focus are on inspiring, uplifting reads, and providing a safe space for Black women to speak, vent and enjoy honest and open conversation.
The group chooses from books written by Black authors. The goal of this community-based group is to introduce a variety of Black writers who will help build a love of reading in a positive environment while meeting new people and gaining new perspectives.
Melanated Women Read meets virtually on the first Monday of each month.
More free events with Menlo Park Library
Menlo Park Library on social media:
@menloparklibrary on Instagram & Facebook
@menlolibrary on Twitter/XMonday, June 01, 2026 | 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Zoom webinar (register for link)5 attendees
Garden Talk: Citrus Tree Care
·OnlineOnlineJoin our guest presenters online for some advice on citrus tree success!
Master Gardeners Lisa Putnam and Kathleen Putnam, “The Putnam Sisters,” will teach which citrus trees will thrive in our area, how and where to plant them, plus common problems and diseases.
Our Garden Talks take place online on the first Wednesday of each month.
Wednesday, June 03, 2026 | 06:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Zoom webinar (register for link)More free events with Menlo Park Library
Menlo Park Library on social media:
@menloparklibrary on Instagram & Facebook
@menlolibrary on Twitter/X5 attendees
Past events
2026
