Children

Welcome to Menlo Park's Summer Reading Adventure! 


Grow a reader! Take part in our Summer Reading Adventure, track your reading and fun activities and earn a free book. Enter the raffles and get a chance to win a gift card to a Menlo Park business!

The Summer Reading Adventure is open to all ages. Menlo Park residents or students who go to school in Menlo Park will earn a Kepler’s Books gift card for finishing the program; anyone can play and be eligible for our raffle prizes. Sign up online, then start earning badges whenever you read or do one of the activities. For more information on how to take part, please visit the Grow a Reader page and check out the FAQ's.

Did you know that the library now offers curbside pickup for books on hold--and there are lots of other ways to read! You can look in the online library catalog to see if your book comes in e-book or downloadable audiobook formats; take a walk to check out what is on offer in your neighborhood Little Free Library; or find a magazine you like on RBDigital!

Summer Reading Adventure is brought to you by the City of Menlo Park with additional financial support from Friends of Menlo Park Library.

Summer Puppetry Festival
Puppet sailor and sea monster

The festival is back, and this year we’re coming into your home! Eight shows and seven different puppet troupes, a couple of them brand-new to the festival!

Sunday, July 12
2 p.m.		Steve Chaney and Corny Crow
Sunday, July 26
2 p.m.		Fratello Marionettes:
Aladdin
Tuesday, Aug. 4
2 p.m.		Randel McGee and Groark the Dragon
Sunday, Aug. 9
2 p.m.		Puppet Art Theater:
Bunny Boot Camp
Thursday, Aug. 20
6:30 p.m.		Puppet Art Theater:
Tale of the Dragon’s Tale
Sunday, Aug. 23Luce Puppet Company:
Splashy Sea Saga

Magic Science Show

Double faucet, blowing bubblesTuesday, July 7: Presenter Stephen Treder shares chemistry and physics demonstrations that will amaze and inspire.

Safari Encounters

2 people with a real lemur and a lemur plush toyTuesday, July 7: Join us as we Zoom into the Safari Encounters base, where we may meet and learn about a snake, an alligator, an armadillo, a baby ring-tailed lemur, and a sloth!

RhythmALLogy

Man at school assembly sharing drumming with childrenWednesday, July 8: Enjoy rhythm games and interactive storytelling, bringing the experience to life through live drumming and audience participation.

Magical Nathaniel

Magician Nathaniel kneeling in front of audience of preschoolersWednesday, July 15: How did he do that? Audiences of all ages love Nathaniel’s magic show.

Dragons: Return of the Ice Sorceress!

Science presenter in tie-dye labcoat in front of a group of childrenThursday, July 16: The ScienceTellers join us for a fun fantasy adventure where thrilling, interactive storytelling meets Next Generation Science Standards.

Zines: a Self-Portrait in 6 Panels
Artist Breena Nunez in front of a wall of her cartoon art

Monday, July 20: For Ages 9-Adult: In celebration of National Zine Month, artist Breena Nuñez will guide you in creating a mini-comic all about you--and what makes you who you are.

Nathalia Music

Woman posing with guitarTuesday, July 21: Join us for a fun, interactive, bilingual family concert!

Crosspulse Duo: Finding the Rhythm Around Us

CrosspulseWednesday, July 22: From bells and banjos to body music, boxes and balls, Evie Ladin and Ketih Terry makes music out of anything and everything.

Beetlelady: Arthropod Defenses

Praying mantis on leafWednesday, July 29: Learn about the differences between arthropods, insects, and arachnids, meet some fascinating live arthropods, and learn about record-breaking bugs. Best for Grades K-8.

Comics-Making Workshop with Khalid Birdsong

Art teacher standing behind seated student at tableSaturday, Aug. 1: For Ages 8-14: Khalid, creator of the comic strip “Little Fried Chicken and Sushi,” will help polish students’ comics-drawing skills. 

NorCal Bats

Bat inside a pair of hands, poking head outWednesday, Aug. 5: Meet live bats, and learn about the importance of bats in the environment and the truth about some of the harmful myths. This educational event is best for ages 5+.

Children can enjoy the library at home


Read
Learn
  • ABC Mouse is the #1 digital learning program for ages 2-8!  To start, check out an account on the web site. Then continue on the web or in the app.
  • Tutor.com lets you get homework help with a live tutor, in the browser or app.
  • TumbleMath has fun K-6 math books in all kinds of categories.
  • Mango helps kids and adults learn English and over 70 more languages.
Storytime
  • Kanopy has a Kanopy Kids section with animated Story Time picture books.  Watch on the web site or in the app.
  • TumbleBookLibrary offers story books and read-alongs.