Escalon residents – both kids and adults – helped turn the pages to set a new record in the Summer Reading Program.

“Our reading count this summer was 2561,” library assistant Amanda Clifford said of the total books read throughout the program. “Last year’s number was 1829, so it’s been another big jump this year. The kids are already telling me next year’s goal needs to be 3000.”

Reading Club participants helped the library reach its goal, which was 2018 books to be read for the summer. That was the goal at all branches around the county and Escalon far surpassed that total.

Also, an Escalon teen, Ashley Espino, won the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library’s grand prize for Summer Reading 2018. She took home a keyboard and accessories including a stand, headphones, pedal, etc. as the big winner.

At the Escalon branch, Clifford said there were a number of prizes presented as well.

“We had a bunch of different winners this year,” she reported. “Colton Veldstra, Shelby-Lynn Kesler, and Carl Sufit won the three Kindle Fires. Lawson Robert Stuart won the teen treat package. Sarah Stevenson won the adult mystery bag, which had two tickets to shows at the Gallo Center of the Arts and Picnic at the Pops.”

Also, Carter Stone won the Chalk Wild! backpack filled with back to school supplies and Natalie Eggers won the backpack filled with musical instruments for children.

“We also had an ice cream party to celebrate reaching our goal,” Clifford said, with that gathering hosted at the library on Friday afternoon, Aug. 17. “Over 100 people attended the event.”