The sun was shining brightly and with the temperature topping out over 60 degrees, it wasn’t much like a traditional overcast California winter day.
But that didn’t stop youngsters from visiting the Escalon Library to take part in a ‘Winter Mess Fest’ hosted at the branch on Second Street. From finger painting to playing in the snow, there were plenty of activities to keep kids busy.
Offered on Jan. 17, there were items set up inside the local branch as well as outside on the sidewalk. Large butcher paper sheets were taped to the sidewalk and youngsters could paint on them; there was also a slide into a wading pool covered with the same paper. Toy cars and trucks were available to dip in paint and then send down the slide, the tires making colorful designs on the paper.
Inside, there was a finger painting station, and a kiddie pool that was filled with ‘snow’ and featured lots of excavation tools to look for some buried treasures. The Play-Doh table saw a steady stream of kids utilizing the familiar toy and there were also options to dip into hot (warm) chocolate and pour it from cup to cup, along with a big bowl of cooked spiral pasta to dig into and squish between your fingers.
The visual and sensory activities seemed to be enjoyed by the kids, and appreciated by their parents and/or caregivers.
Mom Dee Silveira brought her son Eric, 8, to the event. Since he is home schooled, she said they were able to rearrange their schedule for the day to attend the Mess Fest.
The third grader settled in to play with the trucks and other items in the snow.
He also is taking part in the library’s Winter Reading Program.
“He has set a goal of reading five books every day,” his mom noted.
Librarian Kari Leos said the idea behind the Winter Mess Fest was just to give kids an opportunity to enjoy some fun but somewhat unusual activities on a winter day.
The Winter Reading Program runs through the end of this month and the library Kids Club is also still accepting members. For an annual fee of $10, children will receive one gently used book per month from the library. Three or more children signing up per household will get three books per month for $25. Sign-ups are taken in the library.
The ongoing used book sale is also open during regular library hours and features both hardcover and paperback books, in all genres and for all ages.
The next quarterly meeting of the Friends of the Escalon Library is scheduled on Friday, Feb. 14 at 9:30 a.m.; all are welcome.
Annual membership in the Friends organization is available at $10 for individuals, $25 for families and $30 for a business membership.
