Coming up fast, officials at the Escalon Library on Second Street are gearing up for the annual Summer Reading Program, offered through the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library system.

Dates are June 1 through July 31; all ages can sign up for the Summer Reading Program at the library, 1540 Second St., Escalon. Theme for 2026 is ‘Unearth A Story.’

Along with incentives and prizes for reading a certain number of books during the summer program, there are special events planned throughout the two months.

The Kickoff to Summer Celebration is first, scheduled for Thursday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to noon. There will be a special visit from Dino Kingdom, including dinosaur encounters and hands-on activities with fossils. There will also be bubble stations and balloon twisting.

The Dino-Mite Discoveries program is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10 at 1:30 p.m., with a comedy ventriloquist show and dinosaur-themed illusions. Python Ron’s Reptile Show is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17 at 2:30 p.m.; and the Museum on the Move show is set for Wednesday, June 24 at 1:30 p.m.

All ages are welcome to the program and it will explore the wonders of natural history through stories, science and learning with fossils.

July programs include:

Conservation Ambassadors’ Wild Things on Wednesday, July 8 at 1:30 p.m.; George the Giant Show on Wednesday, July 15 at 1:30 p.m.

Also, Science Heroes – Digging It is on the schedule for Wednesday, July 22 at 1:30 p.m.; and Mike the Magician wraps up the special summer program with a performance on Wednesday, July 29 at 1:30 p.m.

Those planning to attend the special shows are encouraged to arrive early to ensure parking and getting a seat; all shows are put on in the Ekholm Community Room at the library and space is limited.