Click the links in the above table of contents to learn more about these special library collections.
The BIPOC Voices Collection intends to highlight materials created by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) authors and stories that center on the lived experiences of BIPOC individuals across the USA. We strive to show intersectionality within the BIPOC community, highlighting persons with varying levels of ability, different socioeconomic status, and those who identity as LGBTQIA+. These books help foster and push forward communal conversations around history, systems of oppression, and the fight for liberation for BIPOC communities in the United States.
This collection contains classic and contemporary materials across various genres in an attempt to help people change their understanding of what a Fantasy or Mystery book, character, or author looks like. We also intend to highlight books that center on topics such as Joy, Healing, Comedy/Laughter, Learning/Growth, Fantasy, Mysteries, Romance, and more.
To find items in this collection please look for the orange “BV” tape.
Board games are available for checkout from the Help Desk for single day in-library use. We currently have:
- Chess
- Checkers
- Go
- Backgammon
- And more to come!
The California Collection celebrates the rich history of California and the Menlo Park area. These books have specific and detailed histories of local interest. An excellent source for research, but also fun to browse and learn more about California and Menlo Park, these books make sure that important historical events and locations are noted and explained.
Click here to browse the full collection
The Local Author Collection is a way for the Menlo Park Library to recognize local literary and creative efforts by maintaining a collection of books donated by local authors. This collection is designed to give writers an opportunity to be read by their friends, neighbors, and the wider Menlo Park community. Local author’s works will be displayed at the library in a special collection and be made available for checkout by library users.
For more information including criteria for evaluation and submittal procedure, please see our Local Author Collection Policy(PDF, 108KB)
The Menlo Park and Belle Haven libraries subscribe to a number of periodicals.
- Magazine back issues may be checked out for 3 weeks, while the newest issues may be enjoyed in-library.
- Up to one year's worth of magazine issues may be available on our shelves.
- Newspapers do not check out and may be enjoyed in-library.
- Up to two weeks' worth of daily newspapers may be available on our shelves.
- Up to one years' worth of local weekly newspapers may be available on our shelves.
Browse a list of magazines offered by the libraries.
California State Parks Passes
The California State Library Parks Pass provides free vehicle day-use entry for one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle at over 200 participating state park units.
Passes are available to residents of Menlo Park (excluding unincorporated areas) aged 18 years or older for 14 day checkout from the Help Desk.
Where can I use the pass?
13 of the State Parks in San Mateo County are participating:
- Año Nuevo SP
- Bean Hollow SB
- Burleigh H. Murray Ranch Park Property
- Butano SP
- Gray Whale Cove SB
- Half Moon Bay SB
- Montara SB
- Pescadero SB
- Pigeon Point Light Station SHP
- Pomponio SB
- Portola Redwoods SP
- San Gregorio SB
- Thornton SB
View a full list of participating California State Parks.
The California State Library Parks Pass does not provide entry to state park units operated by federal or local government, or to state vehicular recreation areas. The Park Pass is also not valid for per-person entry or tour fees, camping, boat use, group use or sites, special events, oversized vehicle fees, additional/extra vehicle fees, swimming pool fees, sanitation disposal or for supplemental fees.
San Mateo County Parks Passes
San Mateo County Parks Passes, provided by the San Mateo County Parks Foundation, grant free vehicle day-use entry for one passenger vehicle to 23 San Mateo County park locations.
Passes are available to residents of Menlo Park (excluding unincorporated areas) aged 18 years or older for 14 day checkout from the Help Desk.
View a full list of San Mateo County parks.
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong into a lively experience with a strong social element. The City of Menlo Park provides pickleball courts at Nealon Park and Kelly Park, and pickleball paddles and balls are available to borrow from Menlo Park Library.
In order to accommodate high demand for new and popular releases, we've set aside a shelf for Quick Pick items. These books and DVDs, denoted by a bright green sticker, are items that do not get tangled up in a long waitlist of patrons. Instead, they stay on our shelves waiting for you to come find them!
- QP books check out for 2 weeks with no renewals
- QP DVDs check out for 1 week with no renewals
Help your child improve their reading readiness with our carefully selected Read Together Kits. Each bag contains a selection of books on a theme and two instruction sheets (English/Spanish) containing songs and ideas for introducing early learning concepts into your at-home storytimes.
Find a kit in our collection
Explore all ten themes!
- Animals
- Colors and Shapes
- Community
- Counting
- Families
- Feelings
- Friendship
- Nature
- School
- Sound and Movement
The Read Together Kits project was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.
Studies have shown that video games can improve manual dexterity, increase the brain's gray matter, and improve intellectual and social skills. Also, video games are a lot of fun! Menlo Park Library now offers video games for checkout with your library card. Browse our collection of games for Nintendo Switch, PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Menlo Park Library's collection currently includes games rated Everyone (E) and Teen (T). We may expand in future based on customer demand. Video games check out for 3 weeks with no renewals. Games must be checked out and returned at the Help Desk.
Click here to browse the full collection