The Friends of the Escalon Library, FOTEL, is looking for some new members. The organization helps fund a variety of programs at the local branch on Second Street, including both summer and winter reading programs, storytime and playtime, a Youth Gardening Club, fitness classes, a book club, computer classes, a Tea of the Month group, puppet shows, specialty performers, and more.

Annual membership fees are $10 per individual, $25 for a family membership and $30 for a business membership. There is also a brand-new option, a Kid’s Club, that is open for those from birth to eight years old, for a cost of $10 per year. For that fee, the enrolled child will receive one book per month from the library’s gently used, ‘pre-loved’ book sale. If there are three or more children in the household, the annual fee is $25 but that gets the family three books per month.

You can drop off the membership fee at the library or mail to Friends of the Escalon Library, 1540 Second St., Escalon, CA 95320.

Donations of gently used books are also welcome and cash donations of $100 or more now receive recognition on the Donor Shelf in the library, displayed above the entrance to the Ekholm Meeting Room.

Coming up in September are a few special programs, starting with a Pet Adoption Event on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This event is hosted at the library and sponsored by the Oakdale Animal Shelter, which serves the City of Escalon.

On Friday, Sept. 26 join in at 10:30 a.m. to play Lotería, also known as Mexican-style bingo, for adults. Have fun and win prizes; open to those 18 and older.

Younger library patrons will enjoy Little Luminaries Presents: The Cinderella Story, set for Saturday, Sept. 28 at 11:30 a.m.

The Little Luminaries is a performing arts group that emphasizes the importance of imagination, storytelling, and childlike wonder through dance and song. This ballet infused performance will engage all ages.

Future events scheduled are a Petting Zoo and a Prismatic laser light show in October, a Princess Party in November and the Winter Reading Kickoff in December.

Current library hours are Mondays and Wednesdays, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesdays, 3 p.m. to 7p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.