Books on Buses, a new program, is about ready to get underway in Escalon.

The City of Escalon through eTrans is supporting countywide literacy efforts with the introduction of a new program, Books on Buses. Beginning on Monday, Nov. 23, eTrans buses will offer books and magazines for all riders. The books are available for the reader’s use on the bus or at home. Riders can return the books to any eTrans bus, or at the Escalon branch of the Stockton San Joaquin County Public Library (SSCJPL).

Books On Buses is geared toward anyone that wishes to improve their reading skills and will encourage literacy. Racks have been installed on all three local buses and each bus is stocked with different books and magazines so that passengers can read while commuting. There will be selections of adult, children and teenage books and magazines for reading. Just like a library, people can read the books or magazines on the bus, take the book or magazine home and return it later to any bus, or donate an old book or magazine for others to read while traveling on eTrans.

No check out process is required and there are no late fines for not returning the book. The goal, officials said, is to help improve literacy in Escalon for everyone – adults, children and teenagers alike.

“People will now be able to board the bus and read a book or magazine while traveling to their destination,” said John Andoh, Transit Coordinator. “This is an example of our commitment to provide the community with a meaningful and educational experience on our transit system and is another way how eTrans can be a meaningful part of the community.”

For information on eTrans, call (209) 541-6645 or visit www.cityofescalon.org.

For information on Escalon Library, call (866) 805-READ (7323) or visit http://www.ssjcpl.org/locations/county/escalon.html.