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Library Open For Patrons, Programs Remain Virtual
library read
Kids can get a Summer Reading Club T-shirt, shown here by staff member Jill Williams, and also pick out books to keep as part of the prizes offered during the ongoing club, which runs through July 31. Marg Jackson/The Times

While the doors are open and patrons can visit the Escalon Library on Second Street, officials said the bulk of the library programs remain in an online setting.

Libraries in the Stockton-San Joaquin County system have posted hours of operation on the library website and welcome back residents inside to use the computers, browse for books and more.

However, all the currently planned programs will still be done in a virtual format, as the region and the state work toward resuming in person activities safely, out of the COVID-19 tier system.

The Summer Reading Club, Tails and Tales, is in full swing and runs through July 31, while there are also a variety of Summer Take Home Crafts, with that program also continuing through July 31.

Library staffer Jill Williams, working at the Escalon branch on Saturday, June 19, said the Friends of the Escalon Library book sale is also set to resume soon. Currently, the library is open Monday through Saturday, though officials said hours may vary and the days open are also subject to change. The best recommendation, they said, is to check the website and make sure the library will be open when you want to visit.

Coming up, along with virtual storytimes on June 24 and June 28 at 10:30 a.m. and the Goodreads Virtual Book Club at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 24, patrons can also enjoy the Horror Club at 5 p.m. on June 28 and a Spanish Club gathering virtually at 10 a.m. on June 29. Wednesday, June 30 will feature an All About Baby virtual storytime at 10:30 a.m.; Virtual summer book club for teens at 11 a.m.; and Phil Ackerly’s virtual Keep On Reading Magic Show, set for 5:30 p.m. on June 30.

July special programs on Wednesdays are slated to include Colorful Critters with ventriloquist Tony Borders on July 7 at 5:30 p.m.; Extreme Science Magic with Don O’Brien at 5:30 p.m. on July 14 and Lindsay Wildlife: A Wildlife Tale on Wednesday, July 21 at 5:30 p.m.

Closing out the summer entertainment in July will be Cascada de Flores: The Tree and the Donkey who loved to sing, set for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28.

The Friends of the Escalon Library remains an active, supportive organization for the local branch, helping to put on the extra reading programs, as well as supplying prizes for those programs and hosting multiple programs for all ages.

Membership is available for $10 individual, $25 family and $30 for a business membership. Cash, check credit or debit are accepted at the library; checks can also be mailed to FOTEL, Friends of the Escalon Library, at 1540 Second St., Escalon, CA 95320.